People who do not have proper diabetes control are more likely to have feet problems. Having high blood sugar levels, and higher HbA1c increases the risk of many diabetic foot problems including infections, ulcers and deformities. These can cause foot pain, and can even lead to foot amputation if neglected.
Diabetes and feet – Symptoms of Hammertoes
Hammertoe is a foot deformity that leads to bending or curling of the toes of the feet. In hammertoe, the toe tends to curl inward and is more likely to affect the second or third toe. Though hammertoes can be caused due to foot trauma, arthritis, and ill-fitting footwear, people with diabetes are also more likely to have hammertoes due to diabetic neuropathy.
Hammertoe is a progressive condition wherein the deformity of the toes start with little or no discomfort. As the condition progresses, there is lack of proper movement. Hammertoes become rigid and cause foot pain if not managed properly.
Symptoms of hammertoe include:
- Foot pain and irritation upon wearing footwear
- Formation of corns and calluses on or between the toes. This is caused due to excess pressure and friction due to the deformity
- Difficulty in movement and walking
- Redness of skin on the affected toe
- Inflammation
- Curling of the toe which points inward instead of pointing forward
If you experience any if these symptoms, it is important to consult a diabetes doctor or a podiatrist for a pair of diabetic footwear.
