Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
What Is The Heaviness In My Lower Legs When Suffering From Diabetes?
Although I suspect that I may have PAD, the heaviness that I experience in my lower legs seem to diminish when I walk around. I am more aware of the discomfort when I get out of bed in the morning or sit, either with or without legs elevated, for a period of time. I am 85 years old, a diabetic (my A1C was 6.9 when last checked in November and cholesterol is under control with meds), and I have a family history of both strokes and heart disease. My annual physical is scheduled for late April. Should I consult with my doctor before that time or is there some way to alleviate these symptoms? Thank you for your assistance. Marjorie
Tue, 18 Mar 2014
Hi and welcome to HCM.
Nerve damage, circulation problems, and infections can lead to serious foot problems if you have diabetes. Good management of your diabetes and an overall healthy lifestyle helps to keep this disease under control. This should include regular monitoring of blood sugar, regular exercise, a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and regular medical exams. People with diabetes should also avoid sitting with crossed legs or standing in one position for a long time.
There are a few habits you should adopt and try to do every day:
1.Check your feet and toes, inspecting the top, sides, soles, heels, and the area in between the toes. Contact your doctor immediately if you discover any sores, redness, cuts, blisters, or bruises.
2.Wash your feet every day in warm water with mild soap. Hot water and harsh soaps can damage your skin. Check the water temperature with your fingers or elbow before putting your feet in because your diabetes may make it difficult to sense water temperature with your feet.
3.Dry your feet thoroughly and gently. Infections tend to develop in moist areas, so make sure you dry the area between your toes well.
4.If the skin on your feet feels rough or dry, use lotion or oil. Do not use lotion between your toes if you have sores there.
Since you have family history of strokes and heart disease, you have to be extra carefull. Dont miss medications and your annual check up. If you experiencing more discomfort in legs and severe pain in calf region, then please contact your doctor for help as early as possible.
Regards
Dr Santosh
Nerve damage, circulation problems, and infections can lead to serious foot problems if you have diabetes. Good management of your diabetes and an overall healthy lifestyle helps to keep this disease under control. This should include regular monitoring of blood sugar, regular exercise, a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and regular medical exams. People with diabetes should also avoid sitting with crossed legs or standing in one position for a long time.
There are a few habits you should adopt and try to do every day:
1.Check your feet and toes, inspecting the top, sides, soles, heels, and the area in between the toes. Contact your doctor immediately if you discover any sores, redness, cuts, blisters, or bruises.
2.Wash your feet every day in warm water with mild soap. Hot water and harsh soaps can damage your skin. Check the water temperature with your fingers or elbow before putting your feet in because your diabetes may make it difficult to sense water temperature with your feet.
3.Dry your feet thoroughly and gently. Infections tend to develop in moist areas, so make sure you dry the area between your toes well.
4.If the skin on your feet feels rough or dry, use lotion or oil. Do not use lotion between your toes if you have sores there.
Since you have family history of strokes and heart disease, you have to be extra carefull. Dont miss medications and your annual check up. If you experiencing more discomfort in legs and severe pain in calf region, then please contact your doctor for help as early as possible.
Regards
Dr Santosh
I find this answer helpful
1 user finds this helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Recent questions on Steroid
Loading Online Doctors....