Diabetes

Diabetes is a prevalent health condition that may reduce blood supply to your feet, with potential for numerous pathologies in your lower limb and feet. Many people, however, are not aware of the effects it can have on the feet. 

The feet may present both externally and internally with multiple complications from diabetes.

Diabetes affects the microvascular blood vessels (small sized vessels) which can reduce arterial elasticity and blood flow to your feet.

Changes to tiny nerve endings in the lower limb can proceed signs of neuropathy (a neurological condition characterised by pain, numbness or tingling in one or more parts of the body) causing a loss of feeling in the lower limb.

In addition, a diabetic could experience altered sensations including burning, tightness, numbness, or some tingling sensation in their feet.

Sensation reductions can allow injuries to a diabetic`s feet to go unnoticed, as the nerve signalling from the feet has been disrupted. If blood supply and feeling are reduced, healing may delay and potential infections for diabetics when their skin is cut or toe nails are in-growing.