Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes can affect the health of your feet in several ways. Over time, elevated blood sugar may contribute to nerve changes, called neuropathy, that reduce your ability to feel pain, heat, cold, pressure, or a small injury. Diabetes can also affect circulation and the body’s ability to heal. Together, these changes may allow a minor problem to become more serious if it is not noticed and treated promptly.

Diabetic foot care focuses on preventing, identifying, and managing foot problems in people with diabetes. Regular attention to your feet can help support mobility and reduce the risk of complications. Foot concerns should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare professional, particularly if you have reduced sensation, circulation problems, a history of ulcers, or previous foot surgery or amputation.

When to seek diabetic foot care

You may benefit from an evaluation if you have diabetes and notice changes in your feet, or if routine foot checks have become difficult. Contact a healthcare professional promptly about:

• A cut, blister, sore, ulcer, or area of broken skin that does not begin to heal

• Redness, warmth, swelling, drainage, bleeding, or a change in skin color

• New pain, burning, tingling, numbness, or unusual sensitivity

• A change in the shape of your foot or a new area of pressure or rubbing

• An ingrown toenail, thickened nail, callus, corn, or fungal nail concern

• A bad smell from a wound or a sudden change in the appearance of your foot

Seek urgent medical attention for rapidly increasing redness or swelling, severe pain, fever, chills, confusion, or a foot that becomes suddenly pale, blue, or cold. If you have an open wound and are unsure how serious it is, it is safer to have it assessed rather than waiting for it to worsen.

What an evaluation may involve

A foot evaluation generally begins with questions about your diabetes, medications, blood sugar management, symptoms, prior wounds, footwear, activity, and any previous foot complications. The clinician may examine the skin, nails, calluses, alignment, and areas exposed to pressure or friction.

The evaluation may also include checks of sensation using light touch or other methods, circulation by assessing pulses and skin temperature, and movement or strength of the foot and ankle. If there is a wound, the clinician may assess its size, depth, appearance, and signs of infection. Additional testing or referral may be considered when needed to understand circulation, bone involvement, nerve symptoms, or healing concerns.

General approaches to care

Care depends on your findings and overall health. It may include professional nail or callus care, wound care instructions, changes to footwear, pressure relief, or recommendations for protective devices. If infection or another condition is suspected, treatment may involve coordination with other healthcare professionals. Your diabetes care plan may also need attention, because blood sugar management can be an important part of supporting healing and reducing future risk.

Do not attempt to cut a corn or callus with a sharp instrument, use over-the-counter corn removers without professional guidance, or apply harsh chemicals to your feet. These steps can injure the skin, especially when sensation is reduced.

Daily foot protection

• Check both feet each day, including the soles and spaces between the toes. Use a mirror or ask someone to help if needed.

• Wash with warm, not hot, water and dry carefully, especially between the toes.

• Moisturize dry skin, but avoid applying lotion between the toes.

• Wear well-fitting socks and shoes that protect your feet. Avoid walking barefoot, indoors or outdoors.

• Trim toenails carefully, generally straight across, or ask a professional for help if this is difficult.

• Have new shoes introduced gradually and check your feet afterward for pressure marks or blisters.

Diabetic foot care is an important part of managing diabetes, but it does not replace regular medical care or individualized advice. A qualified healthcare professional can help determine how often your feet should be checked and which prevention or treatment approaches are appropriate for you.