FAQ: Why Does Chronic Foot Pain Make People Think You’re Diabetic?

What part of the foot hurts with diabetes?

Peripheral neuropathy It’s the most common type of diabetic neuropathy. It affects the feet and legs first, followed by the hands and arms. Signs and symptoms of peripheral neuropathy are often worse at night, and may include: Numbness or reduced ability to feel pain or temperature changes.

Is foot pain a sign of diabetes?

High blood sugar can cause diabetic neuropathy, which damages the nerves that send signals from your hands and feet. Diabetic neuropathy can cause numbness or tingling in your fingers, toes, hands, and feet. Another symptom is a burning, sharp, or aching pain ( diabetic nerve pain ).

What is Diabetic Foot?

A diabetic foot is any pathology that results directly from peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and/or sensory neuropathy affecting the feet in diabetes mellitus; it is a long-term (or “chronic”) complication of diabetes mellitus.

What are signs of diabetic feet?

Signs of Diabetic Foot Problems

• Changes in skin color.
• Changes in skin temperature.
• Swelling in the foot or ankle.
• Pain in the legs.
• Open sores on the feet that are slow to heal or are draining.
• Ingrown toenails or toenails infected with fungus.
• Corns or calluses.
• Dry cracks in the skin, especially around the heel.

What happens to your feet when you have diabetes?

Over time, diabetes may cause nerve damage, also called diabetic neuropathy, that can cause tingling and pain, and can make you lose feeling in your feet. When you lose feeling in your feet, you may not feel a pebble inside your sock or a blister on your foot, which can lead to cuts and sores.

What is diabetic hand syndrome?

The tropical diabetic hand syndrome (TDHS) is a complication affecting patients with diabetes mellitus in the tropics. The syndrome encompasses a localized cellulitis with variable swelling and ulceration of the hands, to progressive, fulminant hand sepsis, and gangrene affecting the entire limb.

What are 3 symptoms of undiagnosed diabetes?

The three most common symptoms of undiagnosed diabetes include increased thirst, increased urination, and increased hunger.

What are the warning signs of prediabetes?

One possible sign of prediabetes is darkened skin on certain parts of the body. Affected areas can include the neck, armpits, elbows, knees and knuckles. Symptoms

• Increased thirst.
• Frequent urination.
• Excess hunger.
• Fatigue.
• Blurred vision.

What does neuropathy feel like in feet?

Signs and symptoms of peripheral neuropathy might include: Gradual onset of numbness, prickling or tingling in your feet or hands, which can spread upward into your legs and arms. Sharp, jabbing, throbbing or burning pain. Extreme sensitivity to touch.

Should diabetics wear socks to bed?

DO: Wear socks to bed if you have cold feet. DON’T: Don’t use water bottles, electric blankets, or heating pads on your feet, because they could cause burns. DO: Wiggle your toes and move your feet around many times a day to keep the blood flowing.

Is Vaseline good for diabetic feet?

Use unscented lotion or petroleum jelly ( Vaseline ) on your feet, though not between your toes. Diabetes can cause very dry skin, which in turn can cause cracking and other problems. but remember, DON’T put lotion or Vaseline between your toes.

Why can’t diabetics soak their feet?

Hot water soaking is discouraged in diabetics due to a potential for a diabetic to scald their own skin.

What do diabetic legs look like?

Also known as “shin spots,” the hallmark of diabetic dermopathy is light brown, scaly patches of skin, often occurring on the shins. These patches may be oval or circular. They’re caused by damage to the small blood vessels that supply the tissues with nutrition and oxygen.

Can you have neuropathy and not have diabetes?

There are many causes of peripheral neuropathy, including diabetes, chemo-induced neuropathy, hereditary disorders, inflammatory infections, auto-immune diseases, protein abnormalities, exposure to toxic chemicals (toxic neuropathy ), poor nutrition, kidney failure, chronic alcoholism, and certain medications –

How do you treat diabetic feet?

Diabetes Foot Care Guidelines

1. Inspect your feet daily.
2. Bathe feet in lukewarm, never hot, water.
3. Be gentle when bathing your feet.
4. Moisturize your feet but not between your toes.
5. Cut nails carefully.
6. Never treat corns or calluses yourself.
7. Wear clean, dry socks.
8. Consider socks made specifically for patients living with diabetes.