Diabetic Foot: Symptoms, Care Tips, and Treatment Options

Many people battle diabetes. Those with poorly managed diabetes risk developing foot problems because of prolonged high sugar levels. It is best to seek help from a Bakersfield diabetic foot care professional and get treatment to prevent further health complications with your feet.

If you have diabetes, ensure you seek medical advice within the shortest time possible. First you need to understand the symptoms, causes, and other crucial information that can guide you in making informed decisions concerning your health.

Types of Foot Problems

The two main problems that could occur are peripheral vascular disease and diabetic neuropathy. With diabetic neuropathy, the feet become numb, making it hard for you to feel soreness and irritation in the feet.

You may not notice when your shoe rubs, which can lead to blisters, sores, and cuts. In this case, it would be best to work with a professional who can examine your condition and advise you on the best treatment plan according to your condition.

Peripheral vascular disease is a disorder caused by changes in blood vessels in the heart and brain. The veins and arteries become narrow and eventually block, leading to pain and fatigue in the legs and hands, especially when exercising.

The pain often reduces during rest. However, if the condition worsens, it can affect blood and oxygen supply in the kidneys, arms, and stomach. It would be best to visit a professional once you notice any changes and discomfort in your body. Your doctor may recommend amputation if your condition worsens. 

Symptoms of Foot Problems 

While you may not have an in-depth understanding of symptoms of diabetes in your feet, you should watch out for the common symptoms. This will help you seek medical attention within the shortest time possible before the condition becomes severe. However, note that the symptoms vary per person. The common symptoms include:

  • Yellow and thick toenails
  • Red streaks in your legs
  • Hair loss on the feet and toes
  • Color and shape changes on your feet
  • Painful tingling
  • Red spots, sores, and blisters
  • Numbness and a burning sensation on the feet 

If you identify the above signs, ensure you seek medical care immediately. Your doctor has the right skills and will advise you on the best treatment plan to help you get early treatment and avoid further health complications. 

Treatment

A doctor will examine your state and advise a treatment plan based on the severity of your condition. Some conditions will require surgical procedures, while other patients will need nonsurgical procedures.

If your doctor recommends a nonsurgical procedure, you may need to undergo wound cleaning and dressing, wearing a cast boot, and immediate care on the toes to check out for gangrene. If surgery is needed, the doctor will remove dead tissue and do surgery to stabilize the foot, either below or above the knee.

Seek Medical Care

Regular medical care is necessary to help you avoid many health complications. Your doctor understands  the nitty-gritty of diabetic foot care and will examine your condition and recommend an effective surgery to eliminate the dead tissues to prevent further spread in the feet. Contact your doctor today for the appropriate treatment plan.