About half of individuals living with diabetes develop nerve damage, often beginning in the feet. This nerve damage can show up early as subtle changes in sensation, temperature, or skin condition. Without prompt care, these signs can progress into ulcers, infections, or even limb loss, especially among patients in high-risk areas like San Antonio.
At South Texas Podiatry, our board-certified podiatrists—Dr. Eddie Davis, Dr. Silas Espino, and Dr. Bryan Sagray provide comprehensive diabetic foot care in San Antonio. Whether you're experiencing numbness, discomfort, or just want to prevent future issues, we're here to help.
Recognizing the first signs of diabetic foot problems is one of the best ways to prevent ulcers, infections, and even amputations. Here’s what you need to know.
Numbness, Tingling, and Loss of Sensation
One of the earliest and most common diabetic foot symptoms is numbness in the diabetic feet. It may feel like pins and needles, or your feet may feel 'asleep.'
This often signals peripheral neuropathy, nerve damage caused by high blood sugar levels. If left untreated, it can lead to injuries that go unnoticed, increasing the risk of ulcers and infections.
Color Changes and Skin Texture Differences
Early signs of diabetes in the feet include:
- Persistent redness, especially around pressure points
- Shiny or paper-thin skin, often accompanied by dryness
- Noticeable temperature differences between feet or toes (cold spots or excessive warmth)
These signs often indicate poor circulation, a common complication of diabetes that can delay healing, increase infection risk, and lead to the development of diabetic ulcers if not treated early.
Sores, Cracks, and Blisters That Won't Heal
Even minor skin injuries, like a blister from new shoes or a small scrape, can turn into serious infections in diabetic feet due to reduced healing ability and compromised circulation. Watch closely for:
- Ulcers or sores lasting more than 7–10 days
- Open wounds with redness, swelling, or warmth
- Any drainage, foul odor, or signs of infection
These signs may indicate a progressing diabetic foot infection. Prompt medical attention is essential to avoid complications like tissue damage or amputation.
Persistent Pain or Burning Sensation
While some patients experience loss of sensation, others may develop diabetic foot pain, often due to nerve inflammation or damage. This pain can present as:
- Burning or tingling
- Stabbing or shooting sensations
- Aching or cramping, especially in the toes or arches
These symptoms are commonly worse at night and may reflect peripheral neuropathy, a serious complication of uncontrolled diabetes. Prompt evaluation can help prevent further nerve damage and long-term disability.
Changes in Nail and Skin Health
Watch for signs like ingrown toenails, thickened or discolored toenails from fungal infections, and dry, cracked heels that may bleed. These issues, while often manageable, can rapidly worsen in diabetics due to reduced circulation and nerve sensitivity. When left untreated, they can lead to infections, foot ulcers, or more severe complications. Regular podiatric care and foot hygiene are essential to catch these changes early and protect long-term foot health.
Why Early Detection Saves Feet
When caught early, diabetic foot problems can be managed before they lead to serious complications. Identifying initial warning signs enables timely interventions that:
- Lower the risk of infection, ulcers, and gangrene
- Help maintain normal walking and daily activities
- Reduce the chances of emergency hospitalization or surgical amputation
In San Antonio, where diabetes rates are among the highest in Texas, early intervention is especially important. Delaying care often means more aggressive treatments and longer recovery times.
How to Perform a Simple Foot Check at Home
Checking your feet every day is a simple, effective way to prevent complications. Follow these steps:
- Inspect the entire foot, including the top, bottom, heels, and between toes.
- Use a hand mirror or ask someone for help if you have trouble seeing any area.
- Gently feel for dry areas, blisters, cracks, or temperature changes.
- Examine toenails for discoloration, thickening, or signs of infection.
Spotting even minor changes early can prevent serious infections. If you notice anything unusual, schedule a diabetic foot exam right away.
When to See a Podiatrist
If you notice any of the following warning signs, it’s important to seek professional care immediately:
- Persistent numbness, tingling, or loss of feeling in your feet
- Cuts, blisters, or sores that remain unhealed after 7–10 days
- Localized pain, swelling, redness, or warmth, especially if new or worsening
- Thickened toenails, fungal infections, or cracked skin that bleeds easily
These symptoms may indicate poor circulation, nerve damage, or early infection, conditions that can worsen without prompt treatment.
At South Texas Podiatry, we provide comprehensive diabetic foot exams to detect these issues early and customize a care plan that helps preserve your mobility and prevent serious complications.
Understanding the Risk Factors
Certain factors significantly increase the likelihood of developing diabetic foot issues:
- Having diabetes for over 10 years increases the risk of nerve damage and poor circulation
- Consistently high blood sugar levels, which impair wound healing and contribute to neuropathy
- A history of foot ulcers or past amputations indicates heightened vulnerability to new complications
- Smoking, which constricts blood vessels and worsens circulation to the lower limbs
- Coexisting conditions such as kidney disease or diabetic retinopathy, both of which are markers of advanced diabetes
Being aware of your risk level allows for early intervention. High-risk patients should perform daily foot inspections and see a podiatrist every 2–3 months for preventive care.
Living with Diabetes: Tips for Better Foot Health
Keeping your feet healthy starts with daily, informed care:
- Maintain tight blood sugar control to protect circulation and nerve function
- Never walk barefoot to avoid unnoticed cuts or punctures
- Wear diabetic shoes with custom insoles to reduce pressure points and prevent blisters
- Wash feet with mild soap, rinse thoroughly, and dry completely, especially between toes
- Trim toenails straight across and file edges to avoid ingrown nails
- Moisturize feet daily, but skip the spaces between toes to reduce fungal risk
And most critically, attend regular podiatry checkups to detect issues before they become serious.
Don’t Wait to Protect Your Feet
The early signs of diabetic foot problems are often quiet but dangerous. Noticing and acting on symptoms like numbness, color changes, or slow-healing sores can make all the difference. At South Texas Podiatry in San Antonio, our board-certified foot specialists—Dr. Eddie DavisDr. Silas Espino, and Dr. Bryan Sagray are committed to helping you prevent, detect, and manage diabetic foot complications with compassionate and advanced care.
Call (210) 490-3668 or book an appointment today to protect your foot health and stay ahead of potential complications.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does diabetic foot pain feel like?
It can feel like burning, tingling, or sharp pain, especially at night.
Are numb feet a sign of diabetes?
Yes, numbness in the feet is one of the earliest signs of diabetic neuropathy.
How can I tell if a foot sore is serious?
If it doesn’t heal within 10 days, looks infected, or smells, seek help immediately.
Can diabetic foot problems be reversed?
While nerve damage is often permanent, early treatment can prevent it from getting worse.
How often should I check my feet?
Daily self-checks are key. Schedule a professional exam at least once a year.
