When you have diabetes, it can profoundly affect your life, and you will suddenly have to be aware of many more potential medical problems that your diabetes could complicate. It is common for people with diabetes to have issues with their feet, and anyone can get many of these medical conditions. However, when you have diabetes, it can lead to complications that can involve amputation if you are unlucky. Below are some of the medical conditions that can affect your feet that people with diabetes need to be aware of and keep under control with diabetic foot treatment.
Fungal Nail Infections
Anyone can get a fungal nail infection, and it is common to treat this condition with medications, which are not always effective. A sign that you have a fungal nail infection is that the nail becomes thick and brittle and often changes colour. You can find that when you go to trim your toenails, the nail can crumble as it is so brittle. Left untreated, the condition can get worse, and at the first signs, you should consult with your doctor, who may want to prescribe medication to help treat the infection.
Diabetic Ulcers
Another common foot problem for people with diabetes is diabetic ulcers which can appear on the feet. When you have a foot ulcer, there is a break or sore in the skin that can get infected. They often start as minor cuts or scrapes, and these will usually heal slowly because they get rubbed by footwear. You may need to seek advice from your doctor to treat these ulcers, and you will also need to ensure your footwear fits you properly to avoid them rubbing on your ulcers. Up to 15% of people with diabetes will experience foot ulcers, so they need to be aware of them and try and keep on top of them if they do not want to lose a foot.
Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails are another common condition that anybody can get, but if you have diabetes, you will need to be careful with them. The toenail can become ingrown, causing swelling, redness, pain, and fluid draining from the tow, and it can also get infected. There are various causes of ingrown toenails, from poor footwear to the incorrect cutting of the toenails, and if you have them, they can be painful. Your doctor can often help with this condition, and you can get minor surgery to help correct it in severe cases. If you have diabetes and suffer from ingrown toenails, you will want to keep an eye on it and consult with our doctor to help you deal with the condition. For more foot conditions that a diabetic must be careful with, click here.
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