There are many causes for foot problems. One of the most serious, however, is diabetes. Today, there are approximately 100 million Americans with diabetes. World estimates run to 371 million with 187 that don’t know they do. Diabetes is a condition where there is too much blood glucose or blood sugar in your body. In order for our bodies to work properly, the glucose must get into our cells providing much needed energy. To help do so, insulin must be taken. Feet then need special care.
Too much glucose can damage our eyes, kidneys and nerves. Diabetes can cause strokes, heart disease and the need to surgically remove limbs, so it is important to take your insulin on a regular basis.
Risk factors for diabetes include:
- High blood pressure. High blood pressure can damage your body’s ability to pump blood.
- Obesity. Being overweight which many people are.
- Family history. If your brothers, sisters or parent has type 2 diabetes.
- Age. If you are 45 years old or older.
- Lack of Exercise. Being active less than 3 days per week.
Foot problems associated with diabetes:
- Corns. Increased layers of skin on your foot on the small toes or outside of the foot.
- Calluses. Thickened skin between toes or at the widest part of your foot.
- Bunions. Deformity of the big toe joint.
- Flat feet. The lack of an arch in your foot.
- Hammertoes. Deformity of the toes where they bend in at the middle joint.
Early signs of diabetes include:
- Urination. An increased need to urinate.
- Increased thirst. A constant desire to drink liquids.
- Increased appetite. Constant hunger.
- Exhaustion. Feeling unduly tired.
- Vision problems. Blurred vision and difficulty seeing.
- Weight loss. Losing weight unexpectedly.
- Wounds. Cuts or bruises slow to heal.
- Numbness. Peripheral neuropathy is a numb or tingling sensations in your limbs or feet
If you believe you may have diabetes or any other concerns with your feet, make an appointment with our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Brad Toll. He will assess your feet and find the appropriate treatments. Call Crofton Podiatry at (410) 721-4505, which provides services to Crofton, Gambrills, Odenton, and Bowie, MD areas.