How does diabetes affect the feet specifically?

Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors

Dr Ranjith Darla

General Practitioner

MBBS
3+ Yrs

Consult Now

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

Find a Podiatrist

Answered 04/07/2025

Ask Apollo

AI powered Health Chatbot

Continue Chat

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.
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.
Foot Ulcers and Infections a. Minor cuts can develop into ulcers due to poor healing. b. Increased risk of infections and complications.
Structural Changes and Deformities a. Nerve and muscle damage may alter foot shape. b. Conditions like Charcot foot can occur.
Preventive Care and Monitoring a. Regular foot inspections, proper hygiene, and suitable footwear are crucial. b. Seek advice from specialists like podiatrists or endocrinologists.
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

Find a Podiatrist Find a Endocrinologist

Answered 20/08/2025

More Podiatry Health Queries

View all

my mom has corns on her feet and i'm looking for treatment options that don't involve surgery and are affordable like liquid nitrogen or other alternatives what would you recommend

‚ÄìSoaking and Exfoliation: Soaking your feet in warm, soapy water can soften the corn. After soaking, use a pumice stone or foot file to gently remove the thickened skin. ‚ÄìMoisturizing: Apply foot cream or lotion to keep the skin soft and prevent further buildup.

Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors

I've been dealing with a weird situation where my left toenail has turned kinda yellowish and bluish, and it's been really painful. There's this sticky yellow liquid that keeps coming out too. It all began after someone accidentally stomped on my foot. What could be going on with my toenail? Should I be worried about it?

(kk

Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors

I've been dealing with ingrown toenails for the past two years and it's getting really painful. Who should I see for toenail removal surgery, how long does it take to recover, and what's the usual cost for this procedure

For an ingrown toenail that's been problematic for two years and is now painful, you should consult a podiatrist or a general surgeon for toenail removal surgery. Recovery can take four to six weeks if part of the nail is removed, and 10 to 12 weeks if the entire nail is removed. The cost of the procedure can range from ‚Çπ2,500 to ‚Çπ15,000 in India

Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors