Diabetes and its related symptoms (diabetic neuropathy and diabetic ulcers) is a growing health concern that shows no sign of slowing down. While the issue is complicated as to why this number is increasing, there are a few key factors. Diets that are high in added sugars, fast-food, large serving portions, and how addictive certain foods can be.
In fact, according to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), approximately 415 million adults aged 20 to 79 had diabetes mellitus in 2015 and is expected to rise by another 200 million by 2040.
The team at Foot and Ankle Specialists of Illinois are experts at diagnosing and treating a wide range of foot and ankle conditions. Everything from superficial conditions like plantar warts, to nerve conditions such as diabetic neuropathy. Our team can provide a highly accurate diagnosis and therapy plan to relieve your condition, eliminate pain and restore your good health.
Diabetic Neuropathy
One of the more serious symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes is a condition called diabetic neuropathy. Neuropathy is a condition of the nerves that commonly affects the peripheral extremities (arms, legs, & feet). Peripheral neuropathy begins to develop due to high blood sugar levels in the body, leading to progressive nerve damage and the following symptoms:
- Numbness
- Tingling sensation
- Sharp pains
- Hypersensitivity
Diabetes is also very closely associated with a condition called peripheral arterial disease(PAD), which directly affects the circulation throughout your legs and feet. Reduced circulation is especially dangerous as it reduces your body’s ability to heal and fight infections.
Diabetic Ulcer’s
Because of the damaged nerves and loss of feeling in the feet, diabetic patients need to be extra vigilant about checking their feet for injuries and wounds. Poor circulation in the extremities can impede your body’s ability to heal itself effectively, combined with a lack of feeling, foot wounds can continue to get worse because you can’t feel them.
Diabetic wounds are at a very high risk of becoming infected and pose a very serious health risk, that, unfortunately, can lead to amputation.
Click here to read our page on Diabetic Foot Exams
Neuropathy, Ulcers, and PAD
So as you can see, all of these conditions are interconnected, caused by diabetes and the worsening of your condition. If you don’t carefully monitor your diabetes, PAD and nerve damage will progressively worsen, impede wound healing and lead to formations of potentially life-threatening ulcers.
That is why diabetic neuropathy needs to be addressed early and comprehensively by an expertly trained podiatrist like the team at Foot and Ankle Specialists of Illinois!
How To Prevent Diabetic Neuropathy and Diabetic Ulcers
The best way to prevent these conditions is at the source! Changing your diet and carefully monitoring your diabetes can stop or slow the progress of its symptomatic conditions. Neuropathy is much easier to catch and prevent if your condition is moderate and you are actively working to improve it!
Ulcers and other diabetic wounds are less likely to form if you are diligent about blood sugar levels and maintain good circulation throughout your legs and feet! If you know you are at risk of ulcers, you need to get into the habit of regularly checking your feet for possible wounds and have them attended to by a podiatrist.
Click here to read our full page on Diabetic Wound Care
Diabetic Neuropathy and Ulcer Treatment Available in Algonquin, Illinois!
If you or a loved one is living with diabetes or would like to learn more about prevention and treatment methods for neuropathy and foot ulcers, reach out to the team at Foot and Ankle Specialists of Illinois today! Our team is standing by to assist you with questions concerns and consultations!
Call our office to schedule an appointment or reach out to us online today!
