In this article:
- Edema: Diabetic swelling in the legs and feet
- Why are diabetics at an increased risk of peripheral edema and swelling?
- Natural ways to reduce swelling
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August 17, 2021 5 min read
If you've noticed puffiness, tight and shiny skin, and swelling building up around the calves, ankles, feet, hands, and even fingers, chances are it's probably due to fluidbuildup. This swelling in thelower extremities is known as “peripheraledema” and it's one of the more commoncomplications of diabetes. However,diabetics aren't the only people who may experience this uncomfortable swelling. Pregnant women often experienceswollen feet and ankles due to the excess pressure placed on thecapillaries. Heat, poor diet, menstruation, excessivesalt intake, burns, certain medications, and having to stand forlong periods of time can also cause inflammation and swelling. Conditions likekidney disease,heart failure, liver cirrhosis, thyroid disease, lymphoedema, and deep venousthrombosis can all cause swelling as well.
People with diabetes are also at anincreased risk of peripheral artery disease (PAD), which causes theblood vessels to narrow and restrictsblood flow to the legs and feet. It can also causenerve damage called peripheraldiabetic neuropathy, which prevents you from feeling pain. Peripheralvascular disease, in which fatty deposits blockblood vessels in thelower extremities, is also common amongdiabetics.
In any case, signs ofedema and excessive swelling should always be discussed with ahealthcare professional.
For those withtype 1 diabetes andtype 2 diabetes, discomfort and reduced mobility are among the mildest results of this swelling. If left untreated, however, it can have much more serious implications.Foot ulcers, infections, foot deformity, and evenamputation are potential complications that can arise from untreated swelling.
Though anyone can potentially be at risk of peripheraledema and swelling around the feet and legs, many of therisk factors associated with peripheraledema are also associated with diabetes. For example,obesity,poor circulation,hypertension,venous insufficiency,heart disease, kidney problems, and theside effects of diabetes medications are all common amongdiabetics and contribute toblood circulation issues andfluid retention.
Diabetes is adysfunction of thepancreas in which enough insulin is not produced. This often leads tohigh blood sugar levels accumulating in the blood. These highblood glucose levels can damageblood vessels, resulting in poorblood circulation. Thispoor circulation often traps fluid in certain areas of the body, especially the feet and ankles, and slows down the healing process. If numbness occurs, it can make it difficult to detect injuries like ankle sprains and even minor injuries like cuts. Left untreated they can get even worse or become infected, and in extreme casesamputation may be necessary.
Above all, getting to the root of your swelling, whether in your feet or elsewhere, is the key to managing and even stopping inflammation. The sooner you practice good feet hygiene and monitor your health, the better your treatment and management options become. Consider regular visits to thepodiatrist so your feet swelling does not develop into further complications or get out of control.
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