Early diabetes feet problems – what to look out for

Early diabetes feet symptoms is something that is important to look out for.  At Well Heeled we have written many articles on diabetes and associated foot problems, but we thought we would write a quick article on the early diabetes foot symptoms and/or problems to look out for as many are unsure of these symptoms, with or without diabetes.

Many people with diabetes can be affected with neuropathy, damage to the nerves, which prevents them from noticing injuries to the feet as there is lack of feeling, or reduced feeling.  This could be more noticeable as tingling or changes in temperature and often causing pain.

The patient’s lack of awareness is an important factor that must be taken into account by doctors, nurses, podiatrists, orthopaedic shoemakers, family and relatives.  For example, a family member may be aware of a bad smell coming from their partner’s foot.  This is them noticing something but not, of course, recognising as a side effect of diabetes itself.

There are various signs for the diabetic that indicate a diabetic foot and should urgently be clarified by a doctor.

What Diabetes Foot Symptoms To Watch Out For

Here are some things to watch out for:

•     Increasingly dry skin
•     Numbness or tingling in the feet
•     Increased touch sensitivity and stabbing or burning pain, especially at night
•     Increased corneal formation
•     In acute cases, redness, swelling and overheating, often without pain

Of course, these are just a few symptoms and there could be more, so it’s important that any problems get checked out as soon as possible.

Another example is when a person is unable to tell you they are in pain, such as when a person has late stages dementia.  This is why regular foot checks are so important.

You may also look out for any new or agitated marks, bruises, skin tears, ulcers or other indication that there is an injury.  You may see blood on socks, and this could also indicate a problem.  Open wounds need to be treated as soon as possible to avoid further complications of course.  Not treating an open wound, such as skin tears or ulcers, could lead to infection and more.

We hope that this small introduction to early diabetes feet symptoms was useful but if you believe it needs extending or you want to add something, such as your own story, then please do let us know in the comments below as we always love to hear from our readers!

For more information on diabetes, don’t forget to check out our blog page for more information such as on type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes.