Experiencing pain in your feet and toes? When you have diabetes, you may experience pain because of a condition called diabetic neuropathy.

Over time, when you have diabetes, the nerves in your feet and toes may become damaged. This nerve damage is neuropathy. It can result in the following symptoms:

• Pain
• Tingling
• Numbness
• Pins and Needles
• Loss of Sensation
• Burning

Bottom of the Foot Pain

Nerve damage can happen anywhere in the body, but with diabetes one of the first places that is affected is your feet and toes. Genetics, high blood sugar levels, and lifestyle all contribute to nerve damage.

So, if you're experiencing pain in the bottom of your feet, it could be because of nerve damage.

Image Source: Diabetes Council

Treatment: Pain in the Bottom of Feet

If you currently have pain in the bottom of your feet, schedule an appointment with a podiatrist. A podiatrist is a foot doctor who can help you figure out what is happening with your feet.

If you have diabetes you should see a podiatrist at least once a year. Pain in your feet can be a sign of a much larger problem - diabetic neuropathy.

When you have neuropathy, at first you will experience pain, but over time you will lose sensation in your feet. When this happens you may not notice if your shoes are too tight, or if you have a small cut. So, when you continue to walk on a cut or blister it can become infected. You may also experience an ulcer.

How to Protect Your Feet

As part of your treatment plan, you need to include your feet. Some things you can do to make sure that your feet are healthy:

• Meet with a podiatrist regularly
• Inspect your feet daily
• Never walk barefoot
• Stop smoking
• Wear appropriate shoes for every activity

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