FAQ: Why Is There Foot Pain With Diabetes?

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.

How do you stop diabetic foot pain?

Medications. Your doctor might suggest trying an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), aspirin (Bufferin), or ibuprofen (Motrin IB, Advil), which are available without a prescription but can cause side effects. Use a low dose for a short time to control your symptoms.

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.

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.

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 are the signs of arthritis in your feet?

Symptoms of foot and ankle arthritis often include:

• Tenderness when you touch the joint.
• Pain when you move it.
• Trouble moving, walking, or putting weight on it.
• Joint stiffness, warmth, or swelling.
• More pain and swelling after you rest, such as sitting or sleeping.

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.

What is the best medicine for diabetic foot pain?

What are treatment options for the pain?

• Pregabalin (Lyrica). Pregabalin is one of only a few medicines approved by the FDA to help relieve diabetes -related nerve pain and is usually taken 2 to 3 times a day.
• Duloxetine (Cymbalta).
• Gabapentin (Neurontin).
• Amitriptyline (Elavil).
• Opioids.
• Topical lidocaine and capsaicin.

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.

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 are the 3 most common symptoms of undiagnosed diabetes?

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

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.

Are foot baths good for diabetics?

Taking good care of your feet can help lower your risk of foot damage. Although some people soak their feet in Epsom salt baths, this home remedy isn’t recommended for people with diabetes. Soaking your feet may raise your risk of foot problems. Talk to your doctor before soaking your feet in Epsom salts.

Do foot massages help diabetes?

Massage may lower blood glucose levels decrease blood glucose levels. decrease hemoglobin A1C levels. improve pain caused by peripheral neuropathy. improve diabetic foot ulcers.

Why shouldn’t diabetics cut their toenails?

Although a nice, rounded cut is often preferred over a square clipping, diabetics must be careful making curved clips. Cutting too far into the corners of your toenails can lead to the formation of ingrown nails, oftentimes leading to an infection.