Quick Answer: Why Does Diabetes Cause Foot Pain?

What causes foot pain in diabetics?

Diabetic foot pain is mainly due to a condition called peripheral neuropathy. Approximately 50% of people who have type 2 diabetes will develop peripheral neuropathy, which happens when high blood sugar levels cause damage to the nerves in the legs and the feet.

What are signs of diabetic feet?

Signs of Diabetic Foot Problems

• Changes in skin color.
• Changes in skin temperature.
• Swelling in the foot or ankle.
• Pain in the legs.
• Open sores on the feet that are slow to heal or are draining.
• Ingrown toenails or toenails infected with fungus.
• Corns or calluses.
• Dry cracks in the skin, especially around the heel.

How do you stop diabetic foot pain?

Medications. Your doctor might suggest trying an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), aspirin (Bufferin), or ibuprofen (Motrin IB, Advil), which are available without a prescription but can cause side effects. Use a low dose for a short time to control your symptoms.

What causes diabetic foot problems?

People with diabetes can develop many different foot problems. Even ordinary problems can get worse and lead to serious complications. Foot problems most often happen when there is nerve damage, also called neuropathy. This can cause tingling, pain (burning or stinging), or weakness in the foot.

Where is diabetic foot pain located?

The feet are especially prone to poor circulation because they’re so far away from the heart. Diabetes -related nerve pain can appear in the hands, but most people who experience it feel it in their feet first.

What do diabetic toenails look like?

What to Look For in Diabetic Toenails. The first toenail change you’ll notice in diabetic patients is likely to be discoloration. Most have some yellowing of the nails, though the shade and involvement can vary. Discoloring may start at the distal edge (tip), and run all the way to the root of the nail bed.

Why can’t diabetics soak their feet?

Hot water soaking is discouraged in diabetics due to a potential for a diabetic to scald their own skin.

Is Vaseline good for diabetic feet?

Use unscented lotion or petroleum jelly ( Vaseline ) on your feet, though not between your toes. Diabetes can cause very dry skin, which in turn can cause cracking and other problems. but remember, DON’T put lotion or Vaseline between your toes.

What are the 3 most common symptoms of undiagnosed diabetes?

The three most common symptoms of undiagnosed diabetes include increased thirst, increased urination, and increased hunger.

How can I stop nerve pain in my foot?

Walk it off. Exercise releases natural painkillers called endorphins. Exercise also promotes blood flow to the nerves in the legs and feet. Researchers believe that regular exercise may create a long-lasting expansion in blood vessels in the feet, nourishing damaged nerves back to health.

Is Diabetic Foot curable?

Background. Diabetic foot infections are a frequent clinical problem. About 50% of patients with diabetic foot infections who have foot amputations die within five years. Properly managed most can be cured, but many patients needlessly undergo amputations because of improper diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.

Can you have neuropathy and not have diabetes?

There are many causes of peripheral neuropathy, including diabetes, chemo-induced neuropathy, hereditary disorders, inflammatory infections, auto-immune diseases, protein abnormalities, exposure to toxic chemicals (toxic neuropathy ), poor nutrition, kidney failure, chronic alcoholism, and certain medications –

What happens to your feet when you have diabetes?

Over time, diabetes may cause nerve damage, also called diabetic neuropathy, that can cause tingling and pain, and can make you lose feeling in your feet. When you lose feeling in your feet, you may not feel a pebble inside your sock or a blister on your foot, which can lead to cuts and sores.

Why do doctors check your feet for diabetes?

A diabetic foot exam checks people with diabetes for these problems, which include infection, injury, and bone abnormalities. Nerve damage, known as neuropathy, and poor circulation (blood flow) are the most common causes of diabetic foot problems.

What do diabetic legs look like?

Also known as “shin spots,” the hallmark of diabetic dermopathy is light brown, scaly patches of skin, often occurring on the shins. These patches may be oval or circular. They’re caused by damage to the small blood vessels that supply the tissues with nutrition and oxygen.