People with diabetes need to monitor various internal factors, and foot care is crucial among them. Neuropathy is a common symptom of diabetes, caused by nerve injury throughout the body. Those with diabetic neuropathy should follow a strict foot care routine to manage the condition and its symptoms. 

In this blog, the podiatrists at Physicians Footcare explore the causes, symptoms, and treatment options.

The Causes of Diabetic Neuropathy 

Neuropathy is often linked to diabetic foot care, however, the condition's direct cause is unknown. Researchers believe blood sugar levels damage nerves throughout the body over time. As the nerves are damaged they lose their ability to send and receive signals to and from other parts of the body.  

This loss of feeling can damage mobility and function, making wound care more difficult. If you cannot feel your feet, you may have trouble telling if you have a scrape or cut, which can lead to infection in the numbed area.

Neuropathy Types and Their Symptoms 

There are four types of neuropathy. Understanding the signs of each and monitoring your symptoms is essential to diabetic foot care. Symptoms may develop gradually and you may not notice them until significant nerve damage has occurred. 

These are the four types of diabetic neuropathy and the symptoms to be aware of: 

• Peripheral neuropathy: This is the most common type of diabetic nerve damage. This condition first affects the feet and legs and may later affect the arms and hands. Symptoms may worsen at night and can include numbness, tingling, burning, sharp pains, muscle weakness, sensitivity to touch, and serious foot-related problems

• Autonomic neuropathy: This form of neuropathy affects the autonomic nervous system and can affect the eyes, digestive system, heart rate, and more: Symptoms may include hypoglycemia unawareness, orthostatic hypotension, nausea, bladder or bowel problems, changes in sweating, and difficulty swallowing. 

• Proximal neuropathy: This type of nerve damage is associated with the legs, hips, and glutes. Symptoms are commonly felt on one side of the body and include severe leg pain, weakening thigh muscles, difficulty standing, and abdominal pain. 

• Mononeuropathy: This refers to the damage of one specific nerve commonly in the leg, face, torso, or leg. This condition may lead to vision problems, face paralysis, finger numbness, weakness in the hand, foot pain, and leg pain. 

If you notice symptoms such as a cut on your foot that won't heal, tingling in the feet and hands, or recurrent dizziness, it's important to discuss this with your podiatrist as these could be signs of neuropathy.

Managing Foot Pain and Restoring Function 

Diabetic neuropathy can be managed with attentive foot care and preventative measures. Diabetics should follow all recommendations provided by the American Diabetes Association about blood sugar levels and daily diabetic care management. 

Develop a Diabetic Foot Care Routine

People with diabetes need to follow a foot care routine diligently. Neuropathy affects movement and feeling in the feet, and an intensive diabetic foot care routine is crucial in preventing infection and injury to the feet. Follow these podiatrist-recommended tips to up your foot care routine. 

• Make sure to check your feet every day for any cracks, cuts, or redness. Keeping an eye on the condition of your feet will help prevent infections. If you notice any abnormal skin or cuts on your feet, contact your podiatrist. They can treat the injury and provide guidance.
• Keep your feet clean and dry to avoid fungal infections. 
• Wear clean and dry socks without tight or irritating seams. This will help to keep your feet dry and fight infection. 
• Lastly, be sure to wear well-cushioned shoes daily. Your footwear should be breathable and allow your toes to move. For diabetic shoe recommendations, reach out to your podiatrist, they will be able to give you a list of comfortable options. 

To get guidance on creating a diabetic foot care routine, consult with a local podiatrist. They can provide advice, products, and wound care techniques tailored to your condition and symptoms.

Self-Care Tips 

Diabetics can also implement the following self-care measures into their daily routine to relieve foot pain and restore function: 

• Diabetics with high blood pressure are at greater risk for diabetic neuropathy. To combat this, keep your blood pressure in the range your doctor recommends. 

• High blood sugar also causes diabetic neuropathy. To keep these levels low, incorporate moderate exercise into your daily routine. 
• Making healthy food choices will help you maintain a healthy weight. 
• Tobacco in all forms causes circulation problems in the feet. If you use tobacco products, talk to your doctor about ways to quit. 

Podiatrist’s Diabetic Foot Care Tips

Diabetes can affect various parts of the body, including the feet, legs, arms, and hands. Diabetic neuropathy can cause several symptoms, but a good diabetic foot care routine can help reduce foot pain and restore function in the feet. 

For more detailed guidance and information, please contact our team of expert podiatrists at Physicians Footcare. With offices throughout Georgia and South Carolina, we are here to provide services from diabetic foot care to foot and ankle surgery. Don't let foot pain limit your life – schedule an appointment with us today.