What you may feel
- Burning or stabbing pain in the feet, often on both sides.
- Pain may be more noticeable at night and disturb sleep.
- Numbness, tingling or pain from light contact may occur.
- Reduced temperature and pain sensation can let a wound go unnoticed.
- Walking may feel unsteady or the feet may feel weak.
How it is assessed
Assessment checks foot skin, sensation and circulation, alongside diabetes management.
Identify the precise areas of pain and numbness and describe the effect of touch. Bring details of other conditions, medicines and previous procedures.
Approaches to care
Pain care is combined with diabetes management and daily foot care. A new ulcer, redness or signs of infection need prompt assessment.
Discuss how pain affects sleep, work and movement. At follow-up, report changes in sensation and strength as well as pain intensity.
When to seek urgent help
A new foot wound, redness, warmth or swelling needs prompt assessment, even with little pain. Deterioration with fever or a suddenly cold pale foot needs urgent help.
Further reading: NIDDK / NIH
This is educational information and does not replace an individual medical assessment. Similar symptoms alone do not establish a diagnosis.