What are the Effects of Diabetes on the Feet?

There are several negative effects of diabetes on the feet. These may include more common foot problems such as calluses and corns to more serious problems such as ulcers, poor circulation, weakening and shifting of the bones, collapsing of the joints, neuropathy, and infection. It is important for diabetic patients to recognize the signs of developing foot problems. Symptoms may include a change in skin color, cold feet or warm spots on the foot, swelling, cracks or sores, burning, or numbness. Diabetics must be cautious and seek treatment if any of the above symptoms appear, or if athlete’s foot or any other type of fungal infection is evident.

Calluses and corns in diabetic patients tend to form thicker and faster than in patients without diabetes. They sometimes start out as a red, possibly warm, spot with localized numbness. Calluses and corns can break down or crack and develop into ulcers, which can easily become infected. Infections can be recognized by a warm area, often with redness or streaked skin.

Poor circulation is one of the most damaging effects of diabetes on the feet. When the feet do not receive enough blood, they are not able to heal as effectively. Additionally, poor circulation makes the feet less able to fight any infections that may occur. Cold feet, paleness, and/or a blue tint to the skin are all indications of poor circulation. Black skin means the tissue has already died.

Neuropathy, or nerve damage, is a common effect of diabetes on the feet. Pain, tingling, or numbness is an uncomfortable result, but more dangerous is a loss of feeling, which makes it less likely that the patient would notice wounds on the feet. When wounds are not noticed, and therefore not cared for, infection often results. When combined with the diminished ability to heal and fight infection resulting from poor circulation, unnoticed infections can worsen dramatically. If the infection becomes severe enough, the foot may require amputation.

Additional potential effects of diabetes on the feet include weakening, fracturing, or shifting of the bones, and collapsing of the joints, even without any major trauma. This is a condition known as Charcot foot. Charcot foot can occur in people who have significant neuropathy, because patients with nerve damage may continue to walk on a severely injured or fractured foot. This condition is highly damaging, and can lead to deformity of the foot. Eventually, Charcot foot may require amputation of the foot or leg.