A person who lives with type 1 or type 2 diabetes understands that managing blood glucose levels is essential to enjoying a reasonable quality of life. Since the condition ultimately affects every part of the body, it pays to be aware when something about the feet is not quite right. Calling a Foot Specialist when any of these signs develop must be a priority.
Changes in Skin Color
Whether the skin appears to be lighter than usual or a little darker, something is interfering with proper blood flow to and from the feet. The best course of action is to find out what is happening and begin treatment before any more damage can take place. A Foot Specialist will know immediately what sort of examination and testing is appropriate for a person with diabetes. In the best-case scenario, the result will be a treatment that helps to improve circulation and prevent more damage to the tissue.
Cuts or Sores That Take Longer Than Usual to Heal
Diabetes does have an impact on the body’s ability to heal. That includes conditions like cuts or sores on the feet. When it seems as if an open sore on a heel or possibly a deep scratch on an instep is taking an unusually long time to heal, seeking professional help is the only smart thing to do. A specialist can assess the situation, determine what needs to be done, and help the healing process along.
Unusual Swelling in the Ankle or Feet
The ankles are aching and the feet are swollen. While the individual would expect that to happen if some change in the daily routine led to standing on a hard surface all day long, nothing has changed in the way the day goes. The swelling and discomfort seem to come from out of nowhere. A specialist can examine the ankles and the feet, determine if the diabetes is a contributing factor, and provide treatments that ease the discomfort and eliminate the swelling.
Living with any form of diabetes means paying close attention to general health, including the condition of the lower legs and feet. When anything seems out of the ordinary, contact the team at Foot & Ankle Specialists of NJ and arrange for an appointment. Prompt treatment will serve the patient well in the long run. You can also follow them on Twitter for more updates.
