At yearly check-ups, your doctor should be conducting a close examination of your feet, ensuring there are no causes for concern. A lot can happen in a year, however, and these yearly checks are not intended to replace your own thorough examination of your body.
Remember: you are your best advocate and best alarm. Pay attention to your body and contact your doctor immediately if you notice any of the four symptoms below.
#1. Skin Changes
Skin changes might include small alterations, like a dark bruise or a darker patch of skin, or large changes, like thick, dry, tough skin on the bottom of your feet that begins peeling or flaking off. These changes might seem inconsequential but could signal nerve damage or the onset of thickening veins, both of which may be hazardous.
#2. Loss of Sensation
This can be difficult to catch; after all, if you’re losing sensation, how are you supposed to know? The short answer is to check yourself regularly. You don’t have to prick your foot with a pin or anything of that nature; instead, roll a tennis ball along your foot every night. This serves the dual purpose of giving your tired feet a massage and noticing any deadening of sensation.
You can also give yourself a foot massage with your hands, starting at the sole and moving outward. Doing so will help improve circulation, and once again bring your attention to any loss of feeling or sensation. A tennis ball is great for checking all-over sensation, while your hands are excellent for noticing a small area suddenly without feeling.
#3. Onset of Ulcers
An ulcer is a small, open sore, much like a canker sore on the mouth. Although many ulcers are harmless, they do have the potential to become infected, grow, and eventually create severe complications. Because many individuals with diabetes also experience nerve damage or circulation issues, the feet and legs are particularly susceptible to injury. A lack of properly-firing nerves and well-functioning circulation means slow healing and an increased risk of systemic infection.
Once again, conduct regular checks of your feet. This can be a simple once-over in the shower as you wash or before you put socks on your feet each night before bed. If you noticed any sores, keep a close eye on them and notify your doctor if they become inflamed, painful, or if they begin to grow.
#4. Sharp Pain
While the loss of sensation is problematic, sharp pain is similarly unsettling. Severe pain can mean a lot of things—some of them benign, others quite dangerous. If you notice intense pains shooting down your legs and radiating into your feet, or originating in your feet, contact your doctor immediately. Sharp pain can signal a blood clot, an infection, or a misfiring nerve, all of which require the attention of a physician.
Your feet carry you everywhere you need to do. Treat them with care and respect, and pay close attention to any changes or potential causes of concern.
