It is very common for people with diabetes to have foot problems at some stage or the other. In fact, one of the symptoms of diabetes is having a tingling sensation in the lower extremities. With poorly controlled diabetes and improper foot care in diabetes, the chances of having foot problems increase enormously.
Diabetes and Feet – Symptoms of Foot Corns
Diabetes is a complex metabolic condition that is characterized with chronic high sugar levels. High blood sugar levels lead to toxicity in the small and large blood vessels, nerves, and ultimately damages the tissues of the organs.
Damage to the nerves is more significant when one considers diabetic foot problems as this leads to a condition called diabetic neuropathy. Diabetic neuropathy can occur to the peripheral nerves reducing the sense of touch, pressure, and pain. This is more common in diabetic foot problems. High blood sugar levels for a prolonged time is the reason for injury of the nerves.
Lack of pressure sensation in diabetes is one of the leading causes for the development of foot corns. This is because foot corns generally arise in areas where there is intermittent pressure and friction.
Pressure and friction lead to thickening of the skin due to a process called hyperkeratosis. This progresses to the formation of foot corns and causes diabetic foot pain. If left untreated, this condition can lead to bacterial and fungal infections.
Foot corn symptoms
Foot corns are characterized by the presence of hard, dead skin. These generally form near the toe joints.
- Thickened and rough areas of the skin on the feet
- Bumpy, raised areas that cause discomfort and pain
- Pain and tenderness on the affected area
- Pain upon pressing the foot corn
- Dry skin on the affected area
