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Diabetic Leg Complications

Two complications associated with diabetes, a condition that affects the body's ability to use sugar as energy, are nerve damage--known as diabetic neuropathy--and foot problems. While for many, small nicks or cuts to the legs and feet can be minor concerns, in those with diabetes, these conditions can develop into non-healing wounds that can cause severe infection.

  1. Non-Healing Wounds

    • When a cut or blister develops on the foot or leg, nerve damage and poor circulation prevent blood from flowing to the wound and facilitating skin repair. This can result in a wound that does not heal, which can eventually become infected or develop into an ulcer deep into the bone. Patients should regularly have their feet and legs checked by a medical professional to identify potential wound-healing complications. Medical treatments are available that can facilitate wound-healing.

    Cracked Skin

    • Lack of circulation, particularly in the feet, can result in dry or cracking skin. While a diabetic patient may not feel extreme pain due to nerve damage, these conditions can result in cracks that develop into sores. The feet and legs should be kept clean, dry and moisturized to prevent cracking.

    Toenail Disorders

    • In addition to wounds that will not heal, nerve damage to the legs can result in a diabetic not noticing symptoms of ingrown toenails or fungal infections. Both of these conditions can lead to ulcers that reach the bone if left untreated.

      In addition, complications related to the toes such as hammertoes or bunions are related to the loss of muscle function and strength in the toes. These deformities are also linked to the presence of foot ulcers.

    Blocked Artery

    • Diabetes can cause a narrowing of blood vessels and arteries in the body, which lessens the amount of blood that flows to the legs. Over time, this narrowing can completely restrict blood flow, which can cause symptoms such as cramping and easy muscle fatigue. If an artery is significantly blocked, this may necessitate surgery to open the artery. However, a diabetic with severe nerve damage may have trouble with healing of the incision site, which can result in the need for amputation in severe cases.

    Corns and Calluses

    • Both the result of pressure to the foot, corns and calluses can result from wearing ill-fitting shoes. If a patient experiences neuropathy in the foot, this can make it difficult to notice corns or calluses. An excess callus buildup can result in the need to wear therapeutic shoes or inserts. Patients should never try to cut calluses or corns, as this can result in severe wounds that will not heal.

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