Living with diabetes requires constant vigilance, and today, we at CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists are helping you stay aware during National Diabetes Awareness Month. When foot complications arise with diabetes, they directly interfere with the simple, everyday activities that make your life enjoyable. So, let’s see how these symptoms interfere, and what you can start doing to tame them.
Peripheral neuropathy is often called the silent thief. You might struggle to feel the cold of a crisp fall day, an irritating seam in your sock, or a tiny pebble that sneaks into your shoe. This loss of feeling completely alters your simple routines.
When you can't feel the ground properly, your confidence in walking suffers. And it might add a level of anxiety to your favorite activities.
What You Can Start Doing: inspect your feet daily for any injuries and always wear well-padded shoes, no matter what you’re doing.
Poor circulation is often caused by Peripheral Artery Disease associated with diabetes, and it can really impact your mobility. Sports, exercise, and everyday movement can be a real challenge for our patients with PAD.
If you have PAD, the muscles in your legs and feet don't get enough blood, which can lead to cramping in your calves or feet that forces you to stop walking after only a short distance.
Imagine trying to keep up with your grandkids or walk across a large parking lot, only to be stopped every few minutes by pain. PAD doesn't just hurt; it literally restricts the distance you can cover and shrinks your active world.
What You Can Start Doing: aim for regular, gentle exercise like walking or cycling, and strictly manage your blood sugar and blood pressure.
The diabetic foot ulcer forces a total change in lifestyle. It’s an open wound that won't heal.
When you have one, standing or walking, whether for cooking dinner, working, or attending a social event, requires constant pressure relief. Meaning you might be confined to a single room or forced to use a wheelchair or scooter for weeks or months.
What You Can Start Doing: see a podiatrist immediately for professional wound care, and use specialized shoes or custom orthotics to keep all pressure off the wound.
The good news is that these diabetic limitations are largely preventable. By making simple habits non-negotiable, like checking your feet daily, wearing properly fitting shoes, and keeping up with your blood sugar management, you can stop these problems before they start.
But really, you should schedule regular checkups with a podiatrist to screen your circulation and nerve function.
For any podiatric concerns you’re dealing with, come see Dr. Hubert Lee and the team at CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists for guidance and advice. You can schedule an appointment online or call today at 425-455-0936.
