If you have diabetes, you probably already know the importance of managing your blood sugar levels. But did you know that diabetes can also affect your feet? Diabetic foot care is a significant part of our work here at Lone Peak Foot & Ankle Clinic in Draper and Orem, Utah.
Diabetes increases your risk of severe foot problems like infections, ulcers, and amputations significantly. Worldwide, 131 million people have foot problems related to diabetes, and 20% of those who develop a diabetic foot ulcer eventually undergo lower-extremity amputation.
These problems happen because high blood sugar can damage the nerves in your feet (a condition called diabetic neuropathy), making it difficult to feel pain, heat, or cold. You might not notice cuts, blisters, or sores when you can’t feel your feet properly.
Left untreated, even minor injuries can become serious infections.
In addition, diabetes can reduce blood flow to your feet, making it harder for wounds to heal. Poor circulation increases the risk of infections that can spread quickly.
The good news is that most serious foot complications are preventable with proper care and early detection, which starts with foot self-exams.
A diabetic foot self-exam is easy and only takes a few minutes. Make it a habit to inspect your feet every day. Look for:
If you have difficulty checking your feet, use a mirror or ask a family member for help. Here’s a step-by-step guide to checking your feet at home:
Since diabetes can affect your nerves, check for changes in sensation. You can do this by running your hands over your feet to check for numbness or using a feather or cotton ball to see if you can feel light touches.
Also, check for tingling, burning, or sharp pains, which are also neuropathy symptoms.
Infections and fungal growth, like athlete’s foot, often start between the toes. Check these areas for peeling skin, redness, or unusual odors.
Keep your toenails trimmed and check for signs of infection, such as discoloration, thickening, or pain. If you notice problems, avoid cutting into the affected area yourself — book a visit with us instead.
Gently press on different parts of your feet. If your skin stays indented for a few seconds, it may be a sign of swelling (edema) or poor circulation.
Use your hands to compare the temperature of both feet. If one foot feels significantly warmer than the other, it could indicate an infection or inflammation.
Check your feet daily, especially if you already have diabetic neuropathy or poor circulation. The earlier you catch a problem, the easier it is to treat. In addition to self-checks, visit us regularly for professional diabetic foot exams.
Alongside diabetic foot self-exams, here are some key ways to protect your feet:
Wash them daily with warm (not hot) water and mild soap. Dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes.
Prevent dryness and cracks by applying lotion to your feet; avoid putting it between the toes.
Cut straight across your nails and avoid digging into the corners to prevent ingrown toenails.
Select footwear that fits well and provides support. Avoid tight or pointed shoes that can cause blisters.
Moisture-wicking socks keep your feet drier and prevent fungal infections. Change your socks daily.
Even at home, wearing shoes can prevent injuries, such as stepping on sharp objects.
Keeping your blood sugar inside a healthy range helps prevent nerve and circulation problems.
Taking care of your feet is essential to managing diabetes, and a daily self-exam helps you catch problems before they become serious.
If you notice any abnormalities during your daily self-exam or have difficulty performing regular exams, we can help. Contact us by phone or online today for expert diabetic foot care.
