Diabetes and Feet: 7 Warning Signs for Diabetics

If you have diabetes, you know that foot problems are a likely side effect. But do you know the warning signs that indicate there may be a problem?

The podiatry experts at Triad Foot & Ankle Center want you to keep an eye out for the following warning signs:

• Change of color: If you notice that any area of your foot is changing colors, which can vary from pink, red, purple, yellow, green, or black, especially around a wound, you need to make an appointment with your podiatrist to have it evaluated as soon as possible. This could indicate there is an infection or other underlying problems.

• Swelling: For diabetics, poor circulation in the feet is a common problem, but this can cause the blood capillaries to become damaged. These damaged capillaries could be leaking fluid into the surrounding tissues (peripheral edema), which can cause swelling.

• Open Sores: For diabetics, who often lose feeling in their feet and toes, open wounds could turn into a serious problem. Minor cuts, scrapes, and blisters can often go undetected, and easily become infected and cause gangrene, which may result in amputation.

• Drainage: If you ever see puss or drainage coming from a wound in your feet, you need to have it evaluated immediately. Drainage means that there is an opening in the skin, and that opening can quickly become infected. If the drainage is red, yellow, or green, schedule an appointment with your podiatrist right away, as it is likely already infected.
• Increase in temperature in the foot: If one foot is hotter to the touch than the other, it may be an indication that there is an infection lurking.

• Fever: A fever is another classic sign of an infection.
• Pain: While many diabetics lose feeling in their feet, making it hard for them to feel pain, sometimes the infections become so severe that they can feel pain as the infection travels up the leg. If you begin to have leg pain radiating down to the feet, it may mean you have a problem.

 

For more information about diabetic foot health care or to schedule an appointment with one of our highly skilled podiatrists, please click here to request an appointment or call any of our three locations conveniently located in the Piedmont Triad.

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