9 keys to preventing and treating diabetic foot issues
Being proactive can help keep your feet healthy.
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If you have diabetes, you probably know to be on the lookout for issues with your feet. Foot problems happen most often when there is nerve damage, also known as peripheral neuropathy. Nerve damage can cause tingling, painful burning or weakness in the foot.
Conversely, neuropathy can also cause numbness, so you may injure a foot and not even know it. In fact, up to half of all cases of diabetic peripheral neuropathy may come with no symptoms, which makes it all the more important to keep tabs on your feet as part of your regular routine. Poor blood flow or changes in the shape of your feet or toes may also play a role in foot-related complications.
But even if you’re experiencing these issues, you can still go a long way toward preventing serious complications from diabetes. Your best defense is a good offense. Here’s what you need to know about preventing and treating foot problems if you have diabetes.
Medically reviewed in February 2021.