Diabetic Neuropathy

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Diabetic neuropathy is a condition in which a diabetic patients extremities experience deterioration in nerve function. A gradual loss of feeling in the feet, legs, hands and arms is experienced. Symptoms vary depending on the nerves affected, and may include symptoms other than those listed. Symptoms usually develop gradually over years and the most common may include:

• Numbness
• Pain
• Tingling
• A feeling of the foot being swollen, when it is not
• Weakness

Minor foot conditions such as blisters, calluses and cuts are often ignored as a result of the inability to feel and sense pain. The loss of sensation can develop into foot infections, ulcers and possibly amputations. Unchecked glucose levels increase the neuropathy in the nerves of the foot decreasing the natural ability to feel irritation resulting in minor injuries leading to infection. It is imperative to inspect your feet daily, and if you find a problem on your lower extremities it should be addressed by your podiatrists immediately.

One of the more serious foot problems with diabetic patients is Charcot Foot. This is a progressive degenerative condition in which the joints of the feet are subjected to continual trauma and injury. A minor trauma may induce the process, but due to the loss of feeling in the foot, there is repeated injury to the joint, ligaments and cartilage. Symptoms and signs may include:

• Insensitivity to the foot
• Increased warmth relative to the other foot
• Change in the shape of the foot
• Redness
• Swelling

As a result of diabetic neuropathy, nerve damage causes the muscles of the foot and ankle to become weak allowing instability and dislocation. Advanced Charcot Foot causes deformities which can result in calluses and ulcers as bony protrusions which increase pressure with walking and standing, leading to possible infections. Diabetic leg and foot problems are the leading reason for diabetes related hospitalizations and diabetes mellitus is the leading cause for amputation of the leg and foot.

If you have diabetes, it is imperative for you to have a comprehensive foot examination by your podiatrist. Diabetic Neuropathy is present in about 60 to 70 percent of people with diabetes. Nerve damage risks increase with age and longer duration of diabetes and appear to be more common in people who have problems controlling their blood glucose. Diabetic Neuropathy can alter your lifestyle, so monitoring your feet daily and using the expertise of your podiatric doctor will help you prevent and control nerve damage caused by diabetes.

Phone: (505) 883-6600 |info@angelafootdoctor.com