If you have diabetes, you may be aware of how diabetic neuropathy can affect your feet. Diabetic neuropathy can cause numbness and other sensations in the feet and legs, which tends to mask any pain a person might feel from any cuts or sores they might have on their feet. If these wounds aren’t cared for properly, it can lead to infection.
This nerve damage from diabetes can increase your chances of developing certain foot problems, like hammertoe, which is a contracture deformity, or bending, of one or both joints in the little toes.
Dr. Spielfogel is the Chief of Podiatry in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City.
Dr. Sood is a board-certified Endocrinologist in private practice in New York City and an assistant professor at Hofstra School of Medicine.
References
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. (n.d.). Hammer toe.
American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. (n.d.). Hammertoes.
UpToDate. (2023). Evaluation and diagnosis of common causes of forefoot pain in adults.
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