apollo
  • male
  • 50 Years
  • 10/05/2022

How does diabetes affect the feet specifically?

Doctor 1

Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors

Diabetes affects nerves which reduce one's sensitivity to pain from wound leading to repetitive traumas, wounds can get infected which may not heal fastly due to reduced blood supply. Sometimes, a bad infection never heals. The infection might lead to gangrene and amputation.

Dr. Ranjith Suggests...

Consult a Podiatrist

Answered 04/07/2025

0

0

Sick? Talk to a doctor now
doc

Ask Apollo

AI powered Health Chatbot

Continue Chat
  1. Nerve Damage (Peripheral Neuropathy) a. High blood sugar can damage nerves, causing numbness, tingling, or pain in the feet. b. Loss of sensation increases the risk of unnoticed injuries.

  2. Poor Blood Circulation (Peripheral Artery Disease) a. Diabetes can narrow blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the feet. b. This impairs healing and raises infection risk.

  3. Foot Ulcers and Infections a. Minor cuts can develop into ulcers due to poor healing. b. Increased risk of infections and complications.

  4. Structural Changes and Deformities a. Nerve and muscle damage may alter foot shape. b. Conditions like Charcot foot can occur.

  5. Preventive Care and Monitoring a. Regular foot inspections, proper hygiene, and suitable footwear are crucial. b. Seek advice from specialists like podiatrists or endocrinologists.

  6. Treatment Options a. Manage blood sugar, provide wound care, and address circulation issues. b. Use medications and therapies common in diabetic foot care.

Recommended next steps

Consult a Podiatrist or Consult a Endocrinologist

Answered 20/08/2025

0

0

More Podiatry Health Queries

View all

Hey, I'm a 23-year-old and lately, I've been noticing these pulses on the inner part of my foot. It's been a few days now, and I can't figure out whether it's normal or if it's linked to stress or something else. Should I be worried about this? Are there any specific tests or checks that you'd suggest I go through to figure out what's happening?

1) Feeling pulses in the inner area of your foot can sometimes be normal, especially if you are young and physically active. However, if this sensation is persistent or accompanied by other symptoms such as pain, swelling, or discoloration, it may be a sign of an underlying issue. I recommend consulting with a healthcare provider for a proper evaluation. 2) If you are concerned, your healthcare provider may recommend tests such as a Doppler ultrasound to assess blood flow in the foot, or a nerve conduction study to evaluate nerve function. These tests can help determine the cause of the pulsations and rule out any potential underlying conditions.

read more
Doctor 1Doctor 2

Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors

I've been dealing with this issue where I pulled an edge of my toenail, and it's been really painful and swollen ever since. I tried to fix it by cutting the corner of the nail that was digging into the skin, and I thought it was better. But the pain is still there, and it's been going on like this for about 23 weeks now. Could you give me some advice on what might be going on and how I can get some relief?

Thta could have led to infection,visit Surgeon for appropriate management

read more
Doctor 1Doctor 2

Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors

My toenail has been growing into the flesh and turned black it got worse during lockdown. A doctor earlier suggested surgery to remove it, but I couldn't go. What can I do now to treat this ingrown toenail?

A black toenail, especially when ingrown and worsened during a period like lockdown, could indicate a few things, including injury, infection, or an ingrown toenail. It's important to address the issue, as it can lead to pain, infection, and further complications. Home care, like soaking and proper nail trimming, can help in some cases, but if the problem persists or worsens, it's crucial to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

read more
Doctor 1Doctor 2

Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors

Disclaimer: Answers on Apollo 247 are not intended to replace your doctor advice. Always seek help of a professional doctor in case of an medical emergency or ailment.