10 Most Common Diabetic Feet Issues

Diabetes is a disease that can affect every single part of the body, in many different ways. People with diabetes (both Type I and 2), have a high risk of many changes happening to their feet.

These changes, if not prevented, or managed correctly, are the reason people with diabetes have a higher risk of a special kind of chronic foot wound called an ulcer, infection, hospitalization, and amputation.

This a friendly reminder that diabetics should have a podiatrist or a food doctor as a part of their healthcare team, and be seeing that podiatrist on a regular schedule. Diabetic patients should never hesitate to call their podiatrist immediately if they notice any new wounds, calluses, or blisters on their feet.

The top 10 most common diabetic feet issues are:

1. Nail problems

Nail problems or changes to the nail are commonly seen diabetic feet issue. The toenails, especially in people with diabetes do change for several reasons.

One reason is that with diabetes, your immune system can become weaker, making a person more prone to any kind of infection, nail fungus included.

This weakened immune system also makes it harder to fight infections. Being immunocompromised due to being diabetic can cause other infections for toenails including bacteria and yeast. Diabetes can damage the kidneys as well, leading to chronic kidney disease.

Chronic kidney disease or CKD can cause changes to the toenails as well, like pincer nails .

2. Swelling

Swelling, or the medical term, edema, is another common diabetic feet issue.

Outside of an infection or a blood clot, the most common reason for swelling in the legs and feet of someone with diabetes is PVD or Peripheral Vascular Disease. In PVD, veins in your legs do not work as well as they once did.

Fluid backs up in your legs and feet, which can cause swelling. A swollen foot in a diabetic, if not managed properly,can cause a special type of sore, known as a ulcer.

3. Peripheral Arterial Disease

Peripheral Arterial Disease or PAD unfortunately seen in many diabetics. as well. Diabetes can attack the arteries (a type of blood vessel) and causes plaque buildup inside the artery itself, known as atherosclerosis.

Calcium deposits can also build up inside the the walls of arteries of diabetics. Whether it's plaque or calcium, both of these issues harden arteries, make them less flexible, and make it much harder for blood to reach the legs and feet.

This leads to poor circulation or blood flow. Poor blood flow due to PAD increases your risks of chronic wounds or ulcers, gangrene, and amputation.

4. Neuropathy

Neuropathy is the name given to a special kind of nerve damage. Diabetic neuropathy is nerve damage due to diabetes.

When blood sugars are high, one of the systems in the body that is attacked is the nervous system, specifically the nerves. Diabetic neuropathy typically starts in the feet.

People with diabetic neuropathy describe numbness, tingling, or pain in their feet. If your blood sugar is not kept under control and at healthy levels, neuropathy can get worse and spread eventually up the legs, and even to the hands.

The loss of feeling in the feet makes people with diabetes at high risk for foot ulcers as well. Diabetic neuropathy can weaken the muscles in the feet and legs, this increases the risk of falling as well. This unfortunately is a diabetic feet issue that also increases your risk of foot amputation.

5. Hammer toes, and other toe deformities

Hammer toes, mallet toes, and claw toes are all different types of toe deformities. Diabetic neuropathy discussed above, can weaken the muscles in the toes, feet, and legs.

Toes remaining straight is a delicate balance between these muscle groups, and once that balance is thrown off by weak muscles, toe deformities can be seen.

6. Dry skin

Another effect of neuropathy in people with diabetes is dry skin.

Sweat and oil glands in your feet are controlled by nerves. If you suffer from diabetic neuropathy, one effect of this is that your feet will not make enough sweat and or oil to keep your skin moisturized and hydrated, This can lead to very dry skin, and cracks in the skin, especially on the heels.

This is a unique, but yet common diabetic foot problem. These cracks can eventually cause openings in healthy skin and lead to ulcers as well. Focus on emoliant rich, diabetes focused lotions for diabeic feet to keep your skin healthy.

7. Foot Ulcers

A foot ulcer is a type of chronic wound. A chronic wound is a wound that takes longer than normal to heal. This could be weeks, months, or even years.

Diabetics are at a higher risk for foot ulcers due to poor circulation from PAD, as well as neuropathy from high blood sugars. When a wound happens in the foot of a diabetic, it can be difficult to heal because of these factors.

8. Corns and calluses

Corns and calluses are commonly seen on the feet of diabetics for several reasons. Due to the dry skin from diabetic neuropathy, calluses can build up on the feet. Also, the feet of diabetics often will change shape due to neuropathy and the weakening of muscles in the feet.

This new foot type changes how the foot hits the ground when standing or walking. In order for the body to protect these areas from this new increased pressure, a callus is made.

Corns are similar to calluses, but they are more commonly found over the joints of toes, between toes, or at the tips of toes. Sometimes corns can be found on the soles of the feet. There is also a central core to a corn which makes them particularly painful.

9. Swollen feet

Swelling in the feet and ankles is a common but important warning sign in people with diabetes. It can happen for several reasons—circulation problems, fluid retention, infections, or even nerve damage that changes how you walk.

While mild swelling may seem harmless, ignoring it can lead to skin breakdown, wounds, and infections that are harder to treat. Managing swelling early makes a big difference: elevate your feet when resting, stay active to improve circulation, wear properly fitted shoes, and talk to your doctor if the swelling is sudden, painful, or persistent. Consistently controlling blood sugar and blood pressure also helps reduce long-term risks.

10. Cold Feet

Ever notice your feet feel icy—even when the room or weather is warm? In people with diabetes, that isn’t always about temperature—it can signal underlying concerns like nerve damage (neuropathy), poor blood flow from peripheral arterial disease, or even an underactive thyroid.

If your toes feel constantly cold, it’s worth paying attention. Try adding gentle movement into your day to boost circulation, and treat your feet to comfy, warm socks or a soft blanket (just steer clear of heating pads or space heaters, which can cause burns if sensation is dulled). These small shifts, alongside regular blood sugar control and a check-in with your podiatrist, can help bring warmth—and peace of mind—back to your steps.

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