Feet are particularly vulnerable because they are farthest from the heart. Reduced circulation combined with nerve damage can lead to serious complications.
Peripheral neuropathy is a common diabetes complication. Nerve damage in the legs and feet can cause numbness, tingling, burning sensations, and reduced sensitivity to pain or temperature. Small injuries may go unnoticed and worsen without treatment.
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) reduces blood flow to the legs and feet, slowing wound healing and increasing the risk of infection, ulcers, and in severe cases, tissue death. When neuropathy and PAD coexist, the risk of serious foot complications rises sharply.
Warning signs include cold feet, swelling, leg pain during walking, slow-healing wounds, and skin discoloration. These symptoms may indicate broader vascular disease, not just local foot issues.