Why Diabetic Foot Care Matters
Diabetes can reduce blood flow to your feet and damage nerves, resulting in a loss of feeling (neuropathy). This means you might not feel a foot injury, leading to serious infections or ulcers. Proper foot care is essential for preventing these complications, which, if severe, could lead to amputation.
Understanding Diabetic Foot Complications
Diabetes affects your feet in two primary ways:
1. Peripheral Neuropathy
High blood sugar can damage nerves throughout your body, but especially in your extremities. This condition, called peripheral neuropathy, reduces sensation in your feet, making it difficult to feel:
- Pain
- Heat or cold
- Pressure points from tight shoes
- Small injuries like cuts or blisters
2. Peripheral Vascular Disease
Diabetes can also narrow and harden your blood vessels, reducing blood flow to your feet. Poor circulation:
- Slows wound healing
- Makes infections harder to fight
- Increases risk of gangrene in severe cases
- Can cause pain, especially when walking
Daily Foot Care Routine
Inspect Your Feet Daily
Check your feet every day for cuts, blisters, redness, swelling, or nail problems. Use a mirror if you can't see the bottom of your feet, or ask a family member for help.
Wash Feet Properly
Wash your feet daily in lukewarm (not hot) water. Be gentle, and dry thoroughly, especially between the toes. Apply a moisturizing cream or lotion, but not between toes.
Trim Nails Carefully
Trim toenails straight across and file the edges. Don't cut too short, as this could lead to ingrown toenails. If you have difficulty, visit a podiatrist for professional nail care.
Never Go Barefoot
Always wear shoes or slippers, even indoors, to protect your feet from injury. Check inside your shoes before putting them on to ensure there are no foreign objects.
Keep Blood Flowing
Put your feet up when sitting, wiggle your toes and move your ankles for 5 minutes several times a day, and don't cross your legs for long periods. Stop smoking, as it reduces blood flow.
Choosing the Right Footwear
Proper footwear is essential for diabetic foot care. Follow these guidelines:
- Select comfortable shoes with adequate room for your toes
- Avoid high heels, sandals, and flip-flops that expose your feet to injury
- Break in new shoes gradually, wearing them just 1-2 hours at first
- Consider custom diabetic shoes if recommended by your podiatrist
- Wear clean, dry socks made of synthetic fibers that wick moisture away
- Avoid socks with tight elastic bands that can restrict circulation
Regular Podiatric Care
Professional foot care is an essential part of diabetes management:
- Schedule regular checkups with a podiatrist (at least annually)
- Get comprehensive foot exams that include vascular and neurological assessments
- Discuss any concerns about your feet, even if they seem minor
- Follow advice about custom orthotics or special footwear if recommended
- Have your podiatrist trim nails or corns if you have circulation problems
Warning Signs: When to See a Doctor
Contact your podiatrist or physician immediately if you notice:
- Cuts, blisters, or burns that don't begin to heal within one day
- Redness, warmth, or swelling in any part of your foot or ankle
- Skin that changes color, becomes dry, or cracks
- Pain in your legs when walking or at rest
- Loss of sensation or inability to feel touch in your feet
- Ingrown toenails or toenails infected with fungus
- Corns or calluses with dried blood under them
- Foot odor that doesn't improve with cleaning
Remember: For people with diabetes, even a small foot problem can quickly become serious. Don't self-treat foot issues with over-the-counter products.
The Importance of Blood Sugar Control
While proper foot care is essential, managing your blood glucose levels is the most important factor in preventing diabetic foot complications. Work with your healthcare provider to:
- Maintain target blood sugar levels
- Take medications as prescribed
- Follow your recommended diet
- Exercise regularly (with proper footwear)
- Monitor your blood sugar as directed
- Keep all medical appointments
Good blood sugar control not only protects your feet but also your eyes, kidneys, heart, and other organs affected by diabetes.