If you have diabetes, the best thing you can do for yourself and your health is to keep your blood glucose level controlled. This is not always an easy task, but it is important for your health. When your blood glucose level is under control, it can reduce the risks of other health problems occurring, including foot problems. Diabetics often experience a number of foot problems, and this is why visiting a podiatrist regularly is an important part of your health. Here are three common problems people with diabetes have with their feet.

Peripheral Neuropathy

People with diabetes are at risk for developing a condition called peripheral neuropathy, which affects the legs and feet. It occurs when the nerves in the legs and feet get damaged, and this typically happens from uncontrolled blood glucose levels. This is one of the reasons keeping your blood glucose level controlled is so important.

If the nerves in your body get damaged, it can cause you to feel:

• Tingling in your feet
• Burning or other types of pain in your feet
• Weakness of your legs or feet

If it is left untreated, it can lead to a loss of feeling in your feet. It can also lead to changes in the way the feet look. When you visit a podiatrist, he or she will carefully examine your feet to look for signs of neuropathy. If the doctor sees changes in your feet or open wounds or sores, he or she might want to treat it.

Neuropathy is treated in numerous ways, including with medication and lotion, but the best way to treat it is by controlling your blood glucose level.

Poor Circulation

The second effect of diabetes on your feet involves poor circulation. This too is often a result of mismanaging blood glucose levels, and it can lead to a number of problems. If you have poor circulation in your legs and feet, your feet will have problems fighting infections. Poor circulation occurs when blood vessels tighten and narrow. This restricts blood flow, and it can leave your feet feeling cold and uncomfortable.

Doctors can prescribe blood thinners and pain killers to help with this problem, and a podiatrist can help in several ways. The first way is by examining your feet to see if there is signs of damage from poor circulation. The second way is by prescribing compression socks for you to wear. These socks keep pressure on your feet and legs, and they can help improve the circulation in these areas.

Ulcers

Finally, visiting a foot doctor regularly is important for the prevention and treatment of diabetic foot ulcers. Taking good care of your feet is vital if you have diabetes, because you are at risk for developing ulcers on them. Ulcers on your feet are dangerous, and they can lead to the need for amputation. If you can avoid them, you will have a better chance of avoiding the loss of your feet in the future.

Foot ulcers can occur anywhere on your feet; however, they are more likely to form on the bottom of your toes or ball of your foot. They typically occur from wearing shoes that do not fit right, but you are more likely to get them if you suffer from other foot problems. For example, if you have a loss of feeling in your feet or problems with poor circulation, you might be at a higher risk for developing ulcers.

Ulcers are basically sores on your feet. If left untreated, they can worsen and spread to the bone in your foot. When the bone gets infected, it can lead to other problems. By visiting a podiatrist regularly, you can avoid long-term complications from ulcers.

To keep your feet and body healthy, you should schedule regular visits with a podiatrist at a clinic like Laurel Podiatry Associates, LLC. To learn more, contact a podiatrist in your area today.