You might not realize it, but some early signs of a serious health issue can actually show up in your feet.
Experts are urging people to be aware of unusual foot-related symptoms that could point to a potentially dangerous condition. Diabetes — a long-term illness that causes abnormally high blood sugar levels — is one such condition.
While the exact cause of type 1 diabetes is still unknown, type 2 diabetes is often associated with lifestyle factors like excess weight and lack of physical activity, though it can also be hereditary.
As with any medical condition, identifying symptoms early allows for quicker access to treatment. However, some of these warning signs may show up in places you wouldn’t expect.
Because of raised blood sugar levels, the feet are one part of the body that can suffer significant damage. Diabetes UK explains: “Over time raised blood sugar levels, also known as blood glucose levels, can damage the small blood vessels that supply the nerves in your feet.
“This stops essential nutrients reaching the nerves. If the nerves in your feet are damaged, you can lose the feeling in your feet, known as peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage). This means you may not feel things properly and can damage your feet without noticing.
“Damaged blood vessels also reduce the blood supply to your feet, meaning you may then have problems with cuts and sores healing. You may also get cramps and pain in your legs or feet.”
The charity SUGGESTS people see their GP if they notice any of the following signs:
– Tingling sensation or pins and needles-like numbness
– Burning pain
– A dull ache
– Loss of feeling in your feet or legs
– Swollen feet – you might notice that putting your shoes on or walking has become more difficult
– Your feet don’t sweat
– Cuts, wounds or sores that don’t heal
– Cramp in your calves when resting or walking
-Shiny, smooth skin on your feet
– Hair loss on your legs and feet
Diabetes can also lead to nerve damage in the toes, leading to conditions like :
– Toes that are bent into a claw shape, known as claw toe
– The joint on your toe pointing up instead of lying flat, known as hammer toe
– A build-up of thick layers of skin on the top or sides of your toes, known as corns
– A hard lump at the bottom of the big toe on the side, which causes the big toe to point at an angle, known as a bunion
In recent years, in the UK, foot amputations have become increasingly common . From 2015 to 2018, there were 27,465 lower limb amputations related to diabetes in England, marking a significant increase of 18.3 per cent from 2011 to 2014.
Major amputations, defined as below the knee, rose by 8.8 per cent, while minor amputations, defined as below the ankle, increased by 22.4 per cent.
Diabetes UK continued: “A matter of hours can make the difference between losing and keeping a foot. This is why it’s vital for all people living with diabetes to know how to look after their feet, to check them regularly to look out for the signs of foot problems and to know when to seek medical attention.”
Other symptoms of diabetes to be aware of include:
– Feeling excessively thirsty
– Urinating more frequently than usual, particularly during the night
– Experiencing severe fatigue
– Weight loss and muscle mass reduction
– Itching around the penis or vagina, or recurring episodes of thrush
Blurred vision
If you observe any signs of diabetes, it’s crucial to seek advice from your GP.
