When The Feeling Is Gone
One reason problems can arise in the diabetic foot is that diabetic patients often experience a gradual loss of nerve function, known as neuropathy. 

· Usually develops slowly
· May not be noticed at first
· Difficult to detect because it is not a sensation but the absence of sensation

Diabetic patients who have developed neuropathy can injure their feet in many ways. Because they cannot feel the pain that a patient with fully intact nerve function would experience with the same injury, the problem may not be noticed for some time. In some cases, ulceration, deep infection, and damaged joints may eventually result. 

Poor circulation and decreased resistance of the patient to infection can contribute to the development of such problems. 

Patients may not report symptoms, but they may experience

· Pain
· Tingling
· Burning sensation, especially at night
· Unsteadiness in standing and walking

The ulcers, infections, and other problems may themselves be painless because of the sensory issues. 

Visual inspection of the foot may reveal swelling, redness, ulcers, bleeding, blisters, corns, or a change in the shape of the foot. The foot may also feel warmer than normal to the touch. Once the skin barrier is broken the tissues begin to break down. Left untreated, the ulceration can lead to osteomyelitic infection. There are many treatments and preventative measures that are taken prior to this occurrence; however, many ulcerations continue until the only course of action is amputation. 

Find a surgeon in your area who uses Wright Medical products.