Recognizing Warning Signs of Diabetic Foot Problems

Diabetes affects your entire body, and it’s especially apparent in your extremities, including your feet. If you are diabetic, it’s important to recognize the warning signs of diabetic foot problems. The podiatrists at Total Foot And Ankle Of Tampa Bay provide comprehensive podiatry services, including treatment of diabetic foot problems. They have several locations including in Wesley Chapel, Sun City Center, Apollo Beach/Riverview, Zephyrhills, and Valrico/Bloomingdale, FL.

What You Need To Know About Diabetic Foot Problems

Diabetes causes problems with your circulatory system. That means you may experience inadequate blood flow to your extremities, including your feet. When you have circulatory problems, you may notice:

• Your feet and legs feel cold
• The skin on your feet and legs appears pale

Diabetes also causes problems with your nervous system. That means you may experience a loss of nerve sensation or nerve pain in your extremities, including your feet. When you have nervous system problems, you may notice:

• Not feeling pain if you experience an injury
• Stabbing nerve pain in your feet and legs
• Numbness or weakness in your feet and legs

Diabetes also causes problems with your immune system. That means you may experience delayed healing. When you have immune system problems, you may notice:

• A small cut or blister healing slowly, or not healing
• Open sores or wounds developing on your feet
• A foot or toe infection that doesn’t heal

You can do a lot to protect your feet and toes when you are diabetic. Remember to:

• Wash your feet in warm water and mild soap every day to reduce bacteria
• Apply moisturizing cream to keep your skin from cracking
• Check your feet and toes daily for cuts or blisters to prevent infection
• Keep your toenails clean and trimmed straight across to prevent ingrown toenails
• Wear comfortable, supportive socks and shoes to avoid injury
• Visit your podiatrist regularly for a thorough foot, ankle, and toe exam

Want To Know More About Diabetic Foot Problems?

To find out more about recognizing the warning signs of diabetic foot problems and how your podiatrist can help, call the podiatrists of Total Foot And Ankle Of Tampa Bay. You can reach them in:

• Zephyrhills, FL, by calling (813) 788-3600
• Sun City Center, FL, by calling (813) 633-5900
• Wesley Chapel, FL, by calling (813) 788-3600
• Apollo Beach/Riverview, FL, by calling (813) 633-5900
• Valrico/Bloomingdale, FL, by calling (813) 633-5900

Call today.