Diabetic foot issues
ডায়াবেটিসজনিত পায়ের সমস্যা
Common Symptoms
Symptom information is not available for this condition yet.
Emergency Warning Signs
Call 999 or go straight to A&E if your foot suddenly changes colour, turning very pale or blue, especially if it also feels newly numb or painful.
When should you contact a healthcare professional?
Call your podiatrist or GP urgently if you notice:
- a hot, red, swollen foot (on black or brown skin this may look like a change in skin colour rather than redness)
- new damage to the skin, such as a cut, sore or break in the skin
- your foot changing shape
- new pain in the foot, which matters even more if you already have nerve damage that normally stops you feeling pain
Call 111 if you have diabetes and a new foot problem along with any of the following:
- fever
- shivering or shaking
- nausea
- vomiting
- generally feeling unwell
Testing for sensitivity in your feet
If you have diabetes, or you look after someone who does, it is worth testing regularly for nerve damage in the feet. Diabetes UK has guidance on how to check foot sensitivity at home.
Other factors that can affect your foot risk include how well your kidneys are working, how much blood is reaching your feet and legs, and whether you have had foot problems before.
⚠️ This symptom list is for educational purposes. Having these symptoms does not mean you have this condition. See a doctor for proper diagnosis.
Medicines Commonly Used
⚠️ These medicines are commonly used for confirmed diagnoses of this condition. This is NOT a recommendation or prescription. Treatment must be determined by your doctor.
No medicines have been linked to this condition yet.
If you have diabetes, you are more likely to have problems with your feet. When blood glucose stays high for a long time, it can damage the nerves in your feet. This nerve damage is also called neuropathy.
Blood flow (circulation) to your feet can also be affected by:
- smoking
- high blood pressure
- high cholesterol
- a history of heart disease or stroke
Read more: High blood pressure (hypertension) · High cholesterol · Heart disease · Stroke
Call 999 or go to the hospital emergency department if:
- your foot is changing colour (going very pale or blue), especially with new numbness or pain in the foot
What causes diabetic foot problems?
Nerve damage is the most common problem in people with diabetes, and it usually shows up in one of two forms.
Painful nerve damage
Nerve damage in the foot can cause pain. People often describe it as burning, pins and needles, an ache, or something like toothache in the foot.
The pain might feel worse when you're in bed at night, or when someone or something touches your feet. But it can come at any time.
Painless nerve damage
Painless nerve damage usually means you lose some feeling in your foot. You may not notice anything wrong at all. Often the only sign is during an examination, when you can't feel the doctor touching your foot.
If this nerve damage is found, your risk of foot problems in the future goes up. Your health care team will help you understand what your own foot risk is. You may need to see a health care professional regularly, and they will explain which changes you should look out for.
Call your foot specialist or doctor urgently if you have:
Phone your doctor urgently if you have:
- a hot, red, swollen foot (on black or brown skin, this could show as discoloured)
- new damage to the skin of your foot, such as cuts, sores or breaks in the skin
- a change in the shape of your foot
- a new pain in your foot (especially if you have painless nerve damage)
Call a doctor or health helpline if you:
Call a doctor or the 16263 health line if you have diabetes and new foot problems, and you also have any of these:
- a fever
- shivering or shaking
- nausea
- vomiting (being sick)
- feeling unwell
Testing for feeling in your feet
If you have diabetes, or you look after someone who does, it can help to do a test for nerve damage.
Other things that can influence your risk of foot problems include:
- kidney function
- blood flow to the feet and legs
- previous foot issues
Looking after diabetic foot problems yourself
In most cases, you can manage any foot problems caused by diabetes at home, by yourself.
Things to do
- Try to check your feet every day, using a mirror if you need one to see the underside
- Look for any cuts, breaks in the skin or hard skin
- Apply moisturising cream so your skin doesn't get too dry
- Keep your toenails short, cut and filed if you can
- Speak to your podiatrist if you have any problems
Things to avoid
- Don't let the area between your toes get too moist, because this can lead to athlete's foot.