Diabetes and Leg Pain: Understanding the Connection

Leg pain is a common symptom of diabetes, resulting from nerve and blood-vessel damage that reduces blood flow to the limbs, with painful symptoms in the legs, feet and hands potentially indicating complications related to diabetes.

Warning

• Legs and feet plagued with oozing blisters, ulcers, infections, soreness and decreased muscle function may indicate the onset of diabetic neuropathy.

Peripheral Neuropathy

• Diabetic peripheral neuropathy affects the legs and feet, resulting in acute, shock-like pain, burning and numbness that begins in the feet and spreads up the legs.

Charcot Joint

• Charcot joint is a condition of diabetes that typically afflicts the legs and feet, causing painful swelling, numbness, tingling and deformation of the joints due to nerve damage.

Osteoporosis

• Increased painful fractures of the feet and legs, lack of coordination and sensitivity to the touch may signify weakened joints and bones due to diabetes-related osteoporosis and nerve damage.

Peripheral Artery Disease

• Clogged arteries in the legs, due to poor circulation related to diabetes, can cause cramping in the thighs and calves that becomes pronounced during exercise.