What damage can diabetes do to your feet?

What damage can diabetes do to your feet?

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.

Can a diabetic foot heal?

Untreated infections may require amputations. While your ulcers heal, stay off your feet and follow your treatment plan. Diabetic foot ulcers can take several weeks to heal. Ulcers may take longer to heal if your blood sugar is high and constant pressure is applied to the ulcer.

Is walking good for diabetic foot pain?

Becoming more active can help you control blood sugar levels, feel good, and lighten the load on painful feet and legs, especially if you’re overweight.

How long does a diabetic foot ulcer take to heal?

In people who have good circulation and good medical care, an ulcer sometimes can heal in as few as three to six weeks. Deeper ulcers may take 12 to 20 weeks. They sometimes require surgery.

Is walking good for neuropathy of the feet?

Regular exercise, such as walking three times a week, can reduce neuropathy pain, improve muscle strength and help control blood sugar levels. Gentle routines such as yoga and tai chi might also help.

Does drinking water help with neuropathy?

Drink lots of water Water should be a staple in any diet, and even more so for those looking to reduce nerve pain. It’s critical to stay hydrated throughout the day to reduce inflammation and avoid triggering pain receptors.

What are some problems with diabetic feet?

Diabetes can cause two problems that can affect your feet: Diabetic neuropathy. Uncontrolled diabetes can damage your nerves. If you have damaged nerves in your legs and feet, you might not feel heat, cold, or pain there. This lack of feeling is called “sensory diabetic neuropathy.”.

Why does diabetes make your feet hurt?

The main cause of feet pain in diabetics is nerve problems. This is known as peripheral neuropathy and researchers have identified that it affects around 60% of people with diabetes. Diabetes results in damage to the nerves in your body, causing pain in your feet and other areas of your body.

What is the best treatment for diabetic foot pain?

Acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen can ease mild to moderate pain caused by diabetic nerve damage, says Kimberly Sackheim, DO, a clinical assistant professor of rehabilitation medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center ‘s Rusk Rehabilitation.

What helps diabetic feet?

One good way to help diabetic feet is to slather them with heavy lotion or cream and wear socks to bed. This helps keep the skin soft and the massaging action helps circulation. Getting good exercise, like walking, along with putting your feet up at home, helps too. It’s all about prevention, always.