Reduced sensation can hide pressure injury, while poor circulation and elevated glucose can impair healing. Inflammatory arthritis can affect multiple joints and alter deformity, pain and procedure selection. These conditions do not automatically prohibit activity or surgery, but they require individual risk assessment.
Medication changes, new vascular symptoms or declining sensation should be disclosed to the treating clinician. Routine self-inspection becomes more important when pain is an unreliable warning signal.
Inspect the skin, nails and spaces between the toes regularly.
Seek early care for blisters, wounds, redness or drainage.
Maintain diabetes and cardiovascular risk management with the medical team.
Avoid barefoot walking when sensation or circulation is impaired.
Arrange professional foot care if self-treatment is unsafe.
Can I rely on pain to detect a diabetic foot problem?
No. Neuropathy may reduce pain despite significant pressure or injury. Visual inspection and scheduled foot assessment are essential when sensation is impaired.