(866) 552-4866 Jackie* did not even realize at first that she had a sore on the bottom of her foot. And even when her doctor pointed it out, she did not bother to give it a second thought. Truth be told, she was busy keeping up with doctor visits for her diabetes and monitoring her blood sugar levels that it did not seem like a problem. The sore, which was barely the size of a small pea, also wasn't painful—nor did it slow her down. That did not change the fact that it was there, and her doctor insisted that this tiny injury was exactly the kind of issue that can lead to serious diabetic foot problems if left unchecked. In that moment, Jackie finally understood the importance of attentive foot care and the value of early intervention.
Approximately 40.1 million Americans have diabetes. The most sobering element to that statistic is that about 8 in 10 are unaware they have it. Regardless, diabetics must contend with symptoms and conditions ranging from frequent urination and excessive thirst to fatigue, blurred vision, and, yes, issues involving the feet. Diabetic foot problems can develop quietly, often starting as small sores or infections that go unnoticed due to reduced sensation.
With April being National Foot Health Awareness Month, our podiatry team at StrideCare is encouraging everyone—especially those living with diabetes—to perform regular self-checks, schedule timely medical evaluations, and take preventive measures to catch problems early. Even small steps now can protect mobility, prevent infections, and maintain overall health for years to come.
Approximately 40.1 million Americans have diabetes. The most sobering element to that statistic is that about 8 in 10 are unaware they have it.
Do Not Overlook These Signs of Diabetic Foot Problems
- Foot numbness and weakness
- Wounds or sores that do not heal
- Large open wounds on the big toes and balls of the feet
- Changes in skin color or temperature
- Thick, discolored, or brittle toenails
- Pain or discomfort when walking or standing
- Painful or inflamed calluses or corns
- Foul odor or drainage from any wound
- Coldness in the lower leg or foot
- Stains on socks or insides of shoes
- Cracks or peeling skin on heels
Are you a diabetic who is concerned about diabetic foot problems? Request an appointment with a StrideCare podiatrist today. Our expansive network ensures you receive the foot care you need from a qualified foot doctor near you.
Diabetic Foot Problems: Why Is Foot Care So Important for Diabetes?
According to a study by the American Podiatric Medical Association, 77% of Americans have experienced foot pain, but only a third seek expert care. As you can imagine, these issues include temporary pain related to poorly fitting shoes, plantar fasciitis, bunions, etc. But many others are due to underlying health problems, such as diabetes, obesity, and peripheral neuropathy. Diabetes, in particular, impacts arteries and can lead to nerve damage (neuropathy), making it difficult to feel foot irritations, soreness, or infections.
People with diabetes are also more susceptible to other conditions, including:
Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)
Also known as arteriosclerosis, PAD affects 8.5 million U.S. adults and 113 million people worldwide and is a diabetic vascular disease characterized by plaque buildup in the walls of major blood vessels (arteries). When this plaque builds up, it creates narrower openings for blood and oxygen to pass through. Restricted blood flow or a complete blockage in the extremities can cause pain or tingling in the lower legs and feet.
Chronic Venous Insufficiency
Chronic Venous Insufficiency is caused by broken vein valves that no longer hold a proper seal. As a result, poor blood flow from your legs back to your heart can cause blood to pool in your legs. This can cause a variety of issues, including leg swelling, varicose veins, cramps, skin changes, and leg or foot ulcers.
Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)
RLS happens when blood is not emptying out of the legs properly and is most commonly associated with lower leg tingling, prickling, tingling, and pulling sensations in the legs that can vary from a mild annoyance to something that interrupts your ability to sleep and lead a normal, active lifestyle.
Deep Vein Thrombosis
A life-threatening condition where blood clots form in one of the veins deep within your body. Swelling only on one side is perhaps the most worrisome sign that you should seek expert vein care. One-sided swelling may indicate a blood clot or DVT. One common complication of DVT is known as post-thrombotic syndrome. People with this syndrome may have a swollen leg that feels heavy and hurts. More severe cases of post-thrombotic syndrome can lead to the formation of chronic wounds.
As a result, someone with even the smallest cut or scrape can develop chronic wounds and lasting problems. Sadly, chronic wounds affect 6.5 million patients annually and result in $39 billion being spent annually to treat them.
This highlights why regular foot checks, proper footwear, and early medical intervention are critical for anyone living with diabetes.
Chronic wounds affect 6.5 million patients annually and result in $39 billion being spent annually to treat them.
How Can I Manage Diabetic Foot Problems?
- Do not ignore sores or symptoms — Even if you notice what seems to be a harmless and painless cut or sore on the bottom of your foot, do not ignore it or delay having your podiatrist look at it. If you do have symptoms, whether it be difficulty walking all the way to unexplained drainage stains on your socks, it is even more important to visit your doctor immediately.
- Examine your feet daily — The problem with most diabetic foot sores is that patients rarely notice them because they do not hurt. This can be easily fixed by checking your feet daily for cracks, peeling, injuries, etc. Basically, anything that does not look right—even if it is painless right now. Remember, even the smallest sore can turn into a diabetic foot ulcer.
- Keep your feet clean and dry — Wash and scrub your feet thoroughly, including between toes, when bathing. This decreases the chance of various infections and helps keep existing wounds clean.
- Never walk barefoot — Walking without shoes increases your risk of stepping on a piece of glass or other debris that could break the skin and lead to additional issues. And when you wear shoes, choose footwear that is comfortable and won't exacerbate existing diabetic foot problems. Replace your shoes every six months.
- Maintain a healthy weight — One of the biggest contributors to diabetic foot problems is carrying around excess weight. This can lead to circulatory problems, stress fractures, and excess weight being placed on an existing sore or wound.
- Exercise regularly — Getting up and moving is a great way to promote blood flow throughout the body. Experts suggest walking for at least 30 minutes a day to keep the heart pumping. Healthy blood flow is essential for healing. It delivers oxygen and nutrients throughout the body and repairs damaged tissue cells. When you aren't getting enough blood flow to an injured area like the foot, inflammation lingers, and the healing process slows down significantly.
Consulting with a foot doctor can address a wide range of diabetic foot problems. If you would like to discuss your treatment options, schedule an appointment with StrideCare's expert podiatric physicians.
When To See a Podiatrist for Diabetic Foot Problems
Far too many people delay seeking help from a podiatrist. They think their sore isn't that bad, and, in some cases, it may not be. That said, early intervention can't hurt—especially if you have diabetes.
You need to consider seeing a podiatrist if:
- You have diabetes and have not had a professional foot exam in the past year
- Your foot pain or existing wounds aren't improving
- You experience numbness, tingling, or burning in your feet
- You see signs of infection
- You are limited in mobility, which impacts daily activity
A professional evaluation at StrideCare can confirm the situation and guide the next steps in treatment, which could include a comprehensive foot examination, wound care for diabetic foot ulcers, circulation and nerve function testing, custom orthotics and protective footwear, and additional education on proper foot care.
This comprehensive approach enables us to treat existing diabetic foot symptoms while preventing further complications, helping you maintain optimal foot health.
Diabetic Foot Problems? StrideCare Is Here for You
Diabetic foot problems are more common than you think, and they are not something to be ignored. It could be that the small sore on the bottom of your foot is nothing to worry about right now. But if it is something serious, wouldn't you feel better knowing that you caught it early and have a team of podiatrists and vascular surgeons on your side to treat it and the underlying condition?
The first step is to visit your local podiatrist, and finding an experienced, qualified podiatrist near you is easier than ever with over 50 StrideCare locations. Our podiatry team at StrideCare is committed to providing you with the most comprehensive foot care—including conservative and surgical treatment options. A consultation with one of our podiatrists can determine the type, severity, and location of your foot issues.
Our expert doctors and caring staff utilize the latest technologies and treatments to help our patients reclaim their lives. At StrideCare, we are here to help, all while providing compassionate patient care. Please contact us at 866-552-4866 or complete the appointment form to schedule a consultation.
This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Before starting any new treatment or questions regarding a medical condition, always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider.
StrideCare serves South Carolina, Texas, and Virginia communities: Charleston, Orangeburg, Mount Pleasant, Murrells Inlet, Summerville, Walterboro, West Ashley, Addison, Allen, Anna, Arlington, Austin, Carrollton, Celina, Clear Lake, Craig Ranch, Dallas, Euless, Flower Mound, Forney, Fort Worth, Frisco, Garland, Houston, Irving, Katy, Kaufman, Mansfield, McKinney, Mesquite, including Midland, North Dallas, Odessa, Paris, Pecos, Plano, Prosper, Rockwall, Round Rock, Rowlett, Royce City, San Antonio, Sherman, South Dallas, Southlake, Stone Oak, Sugar Land, Sulphur Springs, The Woodlands, Waxahachie, Webster, Petersburg, Tappahannock, Richmond, Colonial Heights, Mechanicsville, Midlothian, Henrico, and more.
*Patient names and/or photos may be changed to protect patient confidentiality.