How Can Diabetes Cause Pain In The Ankles In Eagle Mountain

According to the American Diabetes Association, 37.3 million Americans (11.3% of the population) had diabetes in 2019. This includes nearly 1.9 million people diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes and 244,000 children and adolescents. Diabetic patients will quickly learn that they need to make major lifestyle changes to maintain good health and not have serious complications from their condition.

One of the most common issues associated with diabetes is the onset of foot problems that may lead to amputations if not treated properly. That is not to say that people with diabetes cannot have healthy feet or that all patients will develop foot problems. However, diabetic foot conditions are very common, especially when the patient is not careful about the foods eaten and the activities performed.

At Rogers Foot & Ankle Institute in Eagle Mountain, Utah, our experienced podiatrists have experience and expertise in dealing with diabetic foot pain, peripheral neuropathy, foot ulcers, and even lower extremity amputations resulting from a diabetes diagnosis.

Our podiatrists have a thorough understanding of how challenging it can be to deal with the constant pressure from checking blood sugar levels, handling the effects of poor circulation in your feet, and doing an exam for any ulcerations that may go unnoticed. Contact our Eagle Mountain, UT, to schedule an appointment to discuss any diabetic foot pain you are experiencing and for medical advice on dealing with poor circulation in your feet.

What Is Diabetic Foot Pain?

People with diabetes have a serious medical condition where their bodies either do not produce enough insulin or the hormones that help them absorb glucose (sugar) are not working correctly. If the body cannot use its insulin production to absorb glucose into the cells, excess sugar will be in the blood, leading to complications.

Those who have diabetes often have to deal with diabetes-related foot problems resulting from poor circulation and nerve damage. Patients frequently sustain infections, foot ulcerations, deformities, and trauma, which may result in amputations (in the worst cases). It is important to discuss your medical condition with a physician and determine the best way to keep your diabetes in check so that you do not have to worry about diabetic foot and ankle pain.

Symptoms Of Diabetic Ankle Pain

While you’re likely experiencing pain in your feet and ankles, there may be other symptoms. You may experience reduced blood flowing to the feet, peripheral neuropathy, increased bruises and cuts, foot and ankle deformities, and diabetic foot ulcerations.

Causes Of Diabetic Foot And Ankle Pain

Two of the primary causes of pain in the ankle and foot daily for a diabetic patient are peripheral neuropathy and bad blood circulation in the blood vessels.

Peripheral Neuropathy And Diabetic Foot Pain

Most of the pain that a patient will have to deal with in their feet daily comes from diabetic neuropathy. It is a condition caused by the body having high blood sugar levels, and that causes nerve damage in the legs and feet. The peripheral nervous system makes up the nerves in your limbs, so this should not be confused with the brain and spinal cord nerves that make up the central nervous system.

There are two basic types of neuropathy: sensory and motor. For patients with sensory neuropathy, the slightest touch (however gentle) can be the source of overwhelming pain because the nerves are extremely sensitive. On the other hand, those with motor neuropathy have weakened nerves connecting the muscles. Hence, there is often a challenge associated with balance and avoiding scrapes, corns, and calluses from developing.

Poor Blood Flow In The Feet

The pain and tingling in your feet can signify poor circulation going on down under. Blood flow brings much-needed oxygen throughout the body’s tissues, and it is associated with wound healing. When there is not enough oxygen in the tissues, patients will be unable to heal as quickly and may have severe pain. This is especially true in the lower extremities like the feet and ankles.

Managing Ankle Pain With Diabetes Care

The most important way to find relief from pain in the foot and ankle resulting from diabetes is to adhere to the medical advice of your doctors. Taking the right medications, checking your blood sugar levels, and taking precautions in your daily activities (wearing closed-toed shoes, for example) can prevent serious issues for your feet and immune system.

Suppose you are experiencing pain in the most severe cases. In that case, you may need to contact an experienced podiatrist and discuss the best treatment options, especially if the early signs were missed. Surgical intervention, for instance, may be necessary. At Rogers Foot & Ankle Institute in Eagle Mountain, our skilled podiatrists can provide the medical assistance and treatment necessary to prevent tissue death, diabetic ulcers, and added problems with your peripheral nerves.

Contact Our Eagle Mountain, Utah, Ankle And Foot Specialists

If you are dealing with peripheral neuropathy, ulcers, or pain in your feet and ankles due to your diabetic condition, contact Rogers Foot & Ankle Institute. Our team can help with diabetic foot and ankle problems. Our goal is to make sure you live a comfortable life with these conditions, despite any challenges that arise from them.

Our team of podiatric professionals is here to help you manage your pain and discomfort. Contact us today for an appointment at our office in Eagle Mountain, UT, where we will find the solution that’s just right for you.

Call us at 801-756-4200 to book an appointment in Eagle Mountain.