Diabetes and Your Feet: 5 Simple Ways to Keep Your Feet Healthy

1. Check Your Feet Every Day

Checking your feet daily is one of the easiest ways to help prevent complications. Look at the tops and bottoms of your feet, between your toes, and around your heels. Watch for cuts, blisters, redness, swelling, or cracked skin.

2. Wear Shoes That Fit Properly

Shoes that rub, squeeze your toes, or put pressure on certain areas can cause blisters and sores. Choose comfortable, supportive footwear with enough room for your toes, and wear clean socks. 

Check inside your shoes before putting them on, and avoid walking barefoot, even at home. If you have numbness, foot deformities, or a history of ulcers, ask your podiatrist whether specialized footwear or custom orthotics may help.

3. Keep Your Feet Clean and Moisturized

Wash your feet daily with mild soap and lukewarm water, then dry them thoroughly, especially between your toes.

If your skin is dry, apply moisturizer to help prevent cracks, but avoid applying it between your toes. Be careful with hot water, as reduced sensation can make burns harder to notice.

If you develop persistent itching, peeling, or deep cracks, have them checked by your podiatrist. 

4. Don't Ignore Cuts, Blisters, or Foot Sores

A foot injury doesn't have to hurt to be serious. Nerve damage can prevent you from feeling an injury, while poor circulation may slow healing.

If you notice a cut, blister, or open sore, contact your healthcare provider promptly. Seek urgent medical attention for signs of infection, spreading redness, or a foot that suddenly becomes red, hot, and swollen-even without pain.

5. Schedule Regular Diabetic Foot Exams

Even if your feet feel fine, regular foot exams are an important part of managing diabetes. Your podiatrist may check your circulation, sensation, skin, toenails, and foot structure to identify potential problems early.

We recommend making foot exams part of your regular healthcare routine rather than waiting for a problem to develop. 

Take Care of Your Feet Before Problems Start. Daily foot checks, proper footwear, and regular podiatry visits can help prevent complications from diabetes. 

If you have diabetes and are due for a foot exam or have noticed any changes, contact our office to schedule an appointment. We're here to help keep your feet healthy.