DIABETIC FOOT

If you suffer from chronic pain, numbness, or deformity related to diabetes, don’t hesitate to Schedule an appointment with one of our orthopedic specialists.

person holding their footWhat is Diabetic Foot?

Diabetic foot refers to foot issues that develop from diabetes. High blood sugar damages nerves and blood vessels, reducing sensation and slowing blood flow. Loss of feeling increases the chance of unnoticed cuts, blisters, burns, and pressure injuries. Poor circulation limits oxygen and nutrient delivery, which delays healing and raises the risk of infection.

Specialists use the term diabetic foot to describe a group of conditions that affect the feet of people with diabetes, including ulcers, infections, deformities, and tissue damage. Regular foot inspections, proper footwear, blood sugar management, and prompt treatment of wounds help prevent complications. Early care reduces the risk of severe infections, hospitalization, and amputation.

Symptoms Of Diabetic Foot

Diabetic foot can have various symptoms, which may vary depending on the specific complications involved.

Symptoms may include:

    1. Numbness or Tingling: Diabetic peripheral neuropathy can cause a loss of sensation or abnormal sensations in the feet, such as numbness, tingling, or a pins-and-needles sensation.
    2. Burning or Shooting Pain: Some individuals with diabetic neuropathy may experience a burning or shooting pain in their feet, which can be persistent or intermittent.
    3. Foot Ulcers: Open sores or wounds on the feet are a common symptom of diabetic foot. They typically develop on areas of high pressure or friction, such as the sole of the foot or around the toes.
    4. Skin Changes: The skin on the feet may undergo certain changes due to diabetes. This can include dryness, cracking, redness, or a shiny appearance.
    5. Calluses and Corns: Increased pressure or friction on the feet can lead to the formation of calluses or corns, which are thickened areas of skin.
    6. Foot Deformities: Over time, diabetic foot complications can result in foot deformities, such as claw toes, hammertoes, or Charcot foot. These deformities can cause changes in the shape and alignment of the foot.
    7. Slow Wound Healing: Wounds or injuries on the feet may take longer to heal in individuals with diabetes. Delayed healing can increase the risk of infection and complications.
    8. Cold Feet: Poor circulation associated with peripheral arterial disease can cause the feet to feel cold to the touch.
    9. Changes in Nail Health: Diabetes can affect the health of the nails, leading to thickened or brittle nails, fungal infections, or ingrown toenails.
    10. Weakness or Instability: Nerve damage and foot deformities can result in weakness or instability when walking or standing.

Treatment Options for Diabetic Foot

Treatment for diabetic foot focuses on wound healing, infection control, and prevention of further damage. Specialists clean and dress wounds, remove dead tissue through debridement, and reduce pressure on affected areas with special footwear, casts, or braces. Antibiotics treat bacterial infections when present, while careful blood sugar management supports tissue repair and lowers the risk of complications. Regular monitoring allows providers to detect changes early and adjust care as needed. Severe cases may require advanced therapies such as negative-pressure wound therapy, skin grafts, growth factor treatments, or procedures that improve blood flow to the foot. Vascular specialists may perform angioplasty or bypass surgery when poor circulation limits healing. Surgeons may also correct foot deformities that create pressure points and increase ulcer risk.

If you would like to speak to an Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Specialist, give us a call at 817-697-4038, or contact us over the web. Telemedicine appointments are also available.

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