What Are the 9 Early Signs of Diabetes in the Feet?

Diabetes often shows up in the feet before anywhere else in the body. A person may notice small changes, but not realize what they mean. Many people wait too long to get help, and the problems grow worse over time. In this article, we explain everything you need to know about the early signs of diabetes in the feet.

Persistent Foot Pain and Numbness

When you have diabetes, it can start to damage the nerves in your feet. This nerve damage often causes pain, burning, or numbness. The pain may feel worse at night. You might also lose feeling in your feet or toes. These are common early signs of diabetes, and they often appear before other symptoms.

Slow-Healing Sores and Wounds

If you hurt your foot and the wound takes a long time to heal, it can mean that you have poor circulation. Poor blood flow makes it harder for the body to fix small injuries. Sores that stay open for weeks are early signs of diabetes in the feet. These wounds can also get infected and lead to bigger problems, which is why early diabetic foot care Phoenix is so important.

Changes in Toenail Health

Diabetes can weaken your immune system and cause toenail changes. Your nails may become thick, yellow, or brittle. Some people also get fungal infections in their nails. These infections are hard to treat and often come back. Nail problems like these are signs of diabetes in the feet that many people do not notice right away.

Foot Ulcers and Calluses

Foot ulcers are open wounds that often start under thick calluses. These ulcers can form on the heel, toes, or ball of the foot. Diabetes can cause nerve damage, so you may not feel the pressure that leads to ulcers. Foot ulcers and heavy calluses are serious signs of diabetes in the feet and need treatment from a diabetic foot doctor Phoenix.

Swelling and Edema

Diabetes can cause swelling in the feet and ankles. The swelling often comes from poor circulation. Your shoes may feel tight or leave marks on your skin. If the swelling happens often, it is one of the early signs of diabetes in the feet and may show your body is having trouble managing fluid.

Changes in Foot Temperature

People with diabetes may notice that their feet often feel cold or sometimes very warm. These changes in temperature happen when blood flow becomes weak or nerves stop working well.

Foot Deformities

Over time, diabetes can weaken the muscles in your feet. When this happens, your foot shape can change. You may develop claw toes, hammertoes, or flat feet. These foot deformities are early signs of diabetes in the feet that often begin slowly.

Dry and Cracked Skin on the Feet

Dry skin is common in people with diabetes. Your feet may feel rough, peel, or crack, especially around the heels. The skin may also stop making enough oil and sweat. Cracks can let bacteria in and cause infections. Dry and cracked skin is one of the easy-to-miss early signs of diabetes in the feet, but it can lead to serious problems if untreated.

Increased Infections

People with diabetes get more skin infections, especially on the feet. You may notice athlete’s foot, nail fungus, or open sores that get red and swollen. These infections come back often and take longer to heal. If your feet get infected easily, it could be one of the early signs of diabetes in the feet.

Last Word

The early signs of diabetes in the feet can be easy to miss, but they are important. Small changes can lead to serious problems if you do not take care of them. It is better to notice these signs early and get the right help. Paying attention to your feet and seeing foot and ankle specialist Scottsdale can protect your health and prevent future damage.

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