Diabetic Foot Pain

 There are many things to manage when living with diabetes. You have to be careful of what you eat and you need to monitor blood glucose levels meticulously. One problem that can arise from having diabetes that can seriously impact a diabetic’s quality of life involves feet.

Dr. Tejas Pandya, a foot specialist in New York, treats patients with diabetes on a weekly basis. High blood glucose levels can result in nerve damage in the feet, which is called neuropathy. Neuropathy can be painful as it causes numbness, tingling and burning, or shooting pain in the feet. It also causes a loss of sensation, which can make a person very vulnerable to serious injury.

High levels of glucose affect circulation in the legs and feet as well. Pain can result, as tissues in the feet are not properly nourished with blood and oxygen. Veins can become swollen, joints can stiffen and feet can turn cold and sensitive. The combination of poor circulation and neuropathy can cause a change in gait, or the way a person with diabetes walks. An abnormal walking pattern will put stress on different areas of the feet, which can lead to foot pain. Poor circulation also affects the functioning of the oil glands in feet. This can lead to dry, cracking skin that can be very painful to the touch and to walk on.

If you have diabetes, it is important to look at and listen to your feet. If you notice a small sore or injury or have foot pain, please contact our office as soon as possible. Dr. Tejas Pandya can stop a small injury from turning into a serious complication or identify potential problems to watch out for. Call Capital District Podiatry at (518) 273-0053 and make an appointment today.