2.3.

3 Foot Complications
By: Sidney Munsch and Grace Covaci
Types of Complications
~ Neuropathy

~ Skin Changes

~ Calluses

~Foot Ulcers

~ Poor circulation

~ Amputation
Neuropathy
Neuropathy is nerve damage, usually in the hands or feet, that results
in numbness and pain

Foot injuries may go unnoticed and untreated due to a loss of feeling

Nerve damage can result in deformed feet and toes

Neuropathy is usually the cause of most foot problems

Skin Changes
Diabetes can cause your skin to become very dry

Skin may peel or crack from becoming too dry

Cannot put oils or cream between toes because the extra moisture
can lead to infection
Calluses
Calluses will happen more likely and faster to people people with
diabetes

To keep calluses under control they can use pumice stone on wet skin
every day
Foot Ulcers
Most occur on the bottom of big toe or on the ball of the foot

Ulcers on sides of feet are mostly attributed to poorly-fitting shoes

Neglecting ulcers may result in infection, so they should be seen by a

doctor right away

Not all ulcers are painful

Walking on an ulcer may result in a deeper infection

For diabetics, controlling glucose levels will help ulcers heal faster.
High blood sugar makes fighting infections more difficult
Poor Circulation
Poor circulation can make your feet less able to fight infections to heal
the foot

Diabetes causes the blood vessels in the foot and leg to narrow and
harden

The best way for them to keep their feet warm is to wear socks not
using hot water

Some people with diabetes that have this may feel pain in their calves
while walking fast, up a hill, or on a hard surface this is called
intermittent claudication

Exercise is good for people with poor circulation because it stimulates

blood flow in the legs and feet
Amputation
Diabetics are more likely to have a leg or foot amputated due to the
commonality of peripheral arterial disease (PAD), which reduces
blood flow to the feet

The combined effect of peripheral arterial disease and neuropathy

make ulcers and infections common, sometimes leading to
amputation

Amputations are usually preventable with proper footcare and

footwear

Smoking is one of the biggest threats to feet because it causes

decreased blood flow

Many diabetic amputees are smokers

Organs Affected
1.Skin
Foot complications include calluses, skin changes, and ulcers

The skin is affected and may become infected

2.Brain and Nerves

The brain and nerves are affected with pain

Neuropathy causes nerve damage

3.Heart and Blood Vessels

Diabetics may experience poor circulation in the feet, which may eventually lead to
amputation