If you or a loved one is living with diabetes, you might have noticed some new aches and pains, particularly in the feet and ankles. You might be wondering, “Is this normal, or is it connected to my diabetes?”
The simple answer is yes, diabetes can absolutely cause foot and ankle pain.
Let’s break down why this happens in plain, simple terms, so you can understand what’s going on and what to do about it.
The Two Main Culprits: High Blood Sugar’s Effect on the Body
Think of your body like a complex machine. When blood sugar levels are high for a long time, it can damage two critical systems in your feet and ankles: the wires (nerves) and the pipes (blood vessels).
1. Nerve Damage (Diabetic Neuropathy)
This is the most common cause of foot pain in people with diabetes.
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What happens: High blood sugar can injure the protective covering on your nerves, kind of like fraying the coating on an electrical wire.
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How it feels: This can cause a mix of strange sensations in your feet and ankles, including:
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Burning or shooting pain: A sudden, sharp pain that feels like an electric shock.
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Tingling or “pins and needles”: That annoying feeling like your foot has “fallen asleep.”
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Numbness: You might lose the ability to feel pain, heat, or cold. This is dangerous because you could hurt your foot and not even realize it.
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Extreme sensitivity: Even the weight of a bedsheet can feel painful.
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2. Poor Blood Circulation (Peripheral Artery Disease)
Just as high sugar can damage nerves, it can also make your blood vessels narrow and hard.
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What happens: Less blood (which carries oxygen and nutrients) can reach your feet and ankles.
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How it feels: This often leads to:
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Cramping pain: A dull ache or cramping in your calves, ankles, or feet, especially when you are walking or exercising. It usually feels better after you rest.
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Cold feet: Your feet might feel colder than the rest of your body.
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Skin changes: The skin on your feet might become shiny, dry, or turn a bluish or pale color.
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Other Foot and Ankle Problems Linked to Diabetes
Because of nerve damage and poor circulation, people with diabetes are also more prone to:
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Swelling (Edema): Fluid can build up in your feet and ankles, especially if circulation is poor or if diabetes has affected your kidneys.
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Infections: A small blister, cut, or ingrown toenail can turn into a serious infection very quickly because the body can’t send healing blood to the area easily. If you have numbness, you might not even notice the initial injury.
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Charcot Foot: This is a rare but serious condition where the bones in the foot become weak and can break, leading to a change in the shape of the foot (like a “rocker-bottom” appearance). It can start with redness, warmth, and swelling, but not a lot of pain due to nerve damage.
What Should You Do If You Have Foot or Ankle Pain?
Do not ignore it. Even if the pain comes and goes, it’s your body sending you a signal. Here’s your simple action plan:
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Check Your Feet Daily: Look at your feet and ankles every day. Check for cuts, redness, blisters, bruises, or swelling. Use a mirror if you have trouble seeing the bottoms of your feet.
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Manage Your Blood Sugar: This is the most important step. Keeping your blood sugar levels in a healthy range can help prevent more damage and may even reduce the pain over time.
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See a Doctor: Don’t try to treat the pain yourself with over-the-counter creams or random pills. Talk to your primary care doctor, or better yet, see a specialist.
Consult Dr. Chetan Oswal – Diabetic foot specialist in Pune
If you are experiencing foot or ankle pain and are looking for expert care in Pune, consulting a specialist is crucial for preventing minor issues from becoming major complications. Dr. Chetan Oswal is a highly respected Diabetic foot specialist in Pune, dedicated to providing comprehensive care for people with diabetes-related foot problems.