Diabetes Foot Care

Diabetes can harden and narrow blood vessels and lead to circulation problems, infections, and other complications. Diabetes also increases the risk of nerve damage. Many of the complications associated with diabetes directly affect your foot. Diabetes can lead to small wounds or blisters, a lack of feeling and sensation, and in more severe cases, infection and the need for amputation.

​

Diabetes can be life-threatening if not properly treated. Foot complications usually arise from nerve damage and cause tingling, weakness, and pain. Visiting a trained podiatrist who specializes in diabetic foot care can help to prevent diabetic foot complications and keep your feet healthy and functioning properly.

​

At home, pay attention to your feet and inspect them every day by:

• Using lotion to moisturize

• Powdering between the toes

• Washing your feet with soap and warm water

• Examining the soles of your feet using a mirror

• Looking for puncture wounds, bruises, redness, ingrown toenails, corns, calluses, dry skin, blisters, ulcers, scratches, and cuts

It’s important to inspect for athlete’s foot (a contagious fungal infection), bunions, hammertoes, and plantar warts, which are small bumps on the soles of your feet.

​

To take care of your feet, you should:

​

• Avoid walking barefoot

• Protect your feet from overheating or overcooling

• Avoid soaking your feet in water since it can dry out your skin

 

Athletic and walking shoes are a good choice for footwear that fits properly and comfortably. Make sure your socks are clean, padded, and dry, and avoid shoes that are made of plastic or vinyl or that have pointed toes and high heels.

​

Our providers can perform diabetic foot examinations annually to help keep you in step with your foot care.