Diabetic foot pain is mainly due to a condition called peripheral neuropathy. Approximately 50% of people who have type 2 diabetes will develop peripheral neuropathy, which happens when high blood sugar levels cause damage to the nerves in the legs and the feet.
Is foot pain a symptom of diabetes?
How does diabetes affect the health of my feet? Diabetes-related foot pain is
mainly caused by high blood sugar levels
. Over time, high levels of sugar in the blood damage both the nerve endings and blood vessels throughout the body. This combination causes nerve pain and poor circulation.
What are signs of diabetic feet?
- Changes in skin color.
- Changes in skin temperature.
- Swelling in the foot or ankle.
- Pain in the legs.
- Open sores on the feet that are slow to heal or are draining.
- Ingrown toenails or toenails infected with fungus.
- Corns or calluses.
- Dry cracks in the skin, especially around the heel.
What are the 3 most common symptoms of undiagnosed diabetes?
- Frequent urination. …
- Unquenchable thirst. …
- Insatiable. …
- Extreme fatigue. …
- Blurred vision. …
- Numbness in extremities. …
- Darkening skin. …
- Yeast infections.
What is diabetic foot pain feel like?
Diabetic foot pain often feels different than other types of foot pain, such as that caused by tendonitis or plantar fasciitis. It tends to be
a sharp, shooting pain
rather than a dull ache. It can also be accompanied by: Numbness.
What part of the foot hurts with diabetes?
Peripheral Neuropathy and Diabetes
Diabetic foot pain is mainly due to a condition called peripheral neuropathy. Approximately 50% of people who have type 2 diabetes will develop peripheral neuropathy, which happens when high blood sugar levels cause damage to the nerves in the
legs and the feet
.
How do you feel when your blood sugar is too high?
- Increased thirst.
- Frequent urination.
- Fatigue.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Shortness of breath.
- Stomach pain.
- Fruity breath odor.
- A very dry mouth.
Should diabetics wear socks to bed?
Wearing socks in bed is
the safest way to keep your feet warm overnight
. Other methods such as rice socks, a hot water bottle, or a heating blanket may cause you to overheat or get burned.
Why can’t diabetics soak their feet?
If you have diabetes, talk to your doctor before soaking your feet in an Epsom salt bath. Soaking your feet may actually increase your risk of foot problems. It’s recommended that you wash your feet every day, but you shouldn’t soak them.
Soaking can dry out your skin
.
Is Vaseline good for diabetic feet?
Use unscented lotion or petroleum jelly
(Vaseline) on your feet, though not between your toes. Diabetes can cause very dry skin, which in turn can cause cracking and other problems. … but remember, DON’T put lotion or Vaseline between your toes.
While pain in your feet or legs
generally does not signal the onset of heart problems
, many people aren’t aware of the possibility. Typically, the pain goes away when a person rests, returning only when he or she walks again.
How do I know if my foot pain is serious?
- Persistent swelling.
- Chronic pain.
- Persistent numbness or tingling.
- An open wound.
- An infection.
- Tenderness and warmth in your foot accompanied by a fever.
What does arthritis in the foot feel like?
Foot and Ankle Arthritis Symptoms
Pain when you move it
.
Trouble
moving, walking, or putting weight on it. Joint stiffness, warmth, or swelling. More pain and swelling after you rest, such as sitting or sleeping.
How can I test myself for diabetes?
- Wash your hands.
- Put a lancet into the lancet device so that it’s ready to go.
- Place a new test strip into the meter.
- Prick your finger with the lancet in the protective lancing device.
- Carefully place the subsequent drop of blood onto the test strip and wait for the results.
How can I test my diabetes at home without a machine?
Rub your hands together for a few minutes
to stimulate blood circulation and make the process less painful. Keep in mind that you don’t have to use the same finger each time. If one finger becomes too sensitive, use a different finger. Or if you use the same finger, prick in a different spot.
How long can you live with untreated diabetes?
A 55-year-old male with type 2 diabetes could expect to live for another
13.2–21.1 years
, while the general expectancy would be another 24.7 years. A 75-year-old male with the disease might expect to live for another 4.3–9.6 years, compared with the general expectancy of another 10 years.
