2.3.

3 Foot Complications
By: Sidney Munsch and Grace Covaci
Types of Complications
~ Neuropathy

~ Skin Changes

~ Calluses

~Foot Ulcers

~ Poor circulation

~ Amputation
Neuropathy
Neuropathy is nerve damage, usually in the hands or feet, that results in
numbness and pain
Foot injuries may go unnoticed and untreated due to a loss of feeling
Nerve damage can result in deformed feet and toes
Neuropathy is usually the cause of most foot problems
Skin Changes
Diabetes can cause your skin to become very dry
Skin may peel or crack from becoming too dry
Cannot put oils or cream between toes because the extra moisture can lead to
infection
Calluses
Calluses will happen more likely and faster to people people with diabetes
To keep calluses under control they can use pumice stone on wet skin every day
Foot Ulcers
Most occur on the bottom of big toe or on the ball of the foot
Ulcers on sides of feet are mostly attributed to poorly-fitting shoes
Neglecting ulcers may result in infection, so they should be seen by a doctor right
away
Not all ulcers are painful
Walking on an ulcer may result in a deeper infection
For diabetics, controlling glucose levels will help ulcers heal faster. High blood
sugar makes fighting infections more difficult
Poor Circulation
Poor circulation can make your feet less able to fight infections to heal the foot
Diabetes causes the blood vessels in the foot and leg to narrow and harden
The best way for them to keep their feet warm is to wear socks not using hot
water
Some people with diabetes that have this may feel pain in their calves while
walking fast, up a hill, or on a hard surface this is called intermittent claudication
Exercise is good for people with poor circulation because it stimulates blood flow
in the legs and feet
Amputation
Diabetics are more likely to have a leg or foot amputated due to the commonality
of peripheral arterial disease (PAD), which reduces blood flow to the feet
The combined effect of peripheral arterial disease and neuropathy make ulcers
and infections common, sometimes leading to amputation
Amputations are usually preventable with proper footcare and footwear
Smoking is one of the biggest threats to feet because it causes decreased blood
flow
Many diabetic amputees are smokers
Organs Affected
1. Skin
Foot complications include calluses, skin changes, and ulcers
The skin is affected and may become infected
2. Brain and Nerves
The brain and nerves are affected with pain
Neuropathy causes nerve damage
3. Heart and Blood Vessels
Diabetics may experience poor circulation in the feet, which may eventually lead to amputation
Nerve pain in the feet may prevent exercise. A lack of exercise affects cardiovascular health