Diabetic Foot Care
Diabetes can reduce feeling and blood flow in your feet. A small injure may go unnoticed and be slow to heal.
Why it happens
Reduced feeling can hide a blister or injury. Poor blood flow makes healing harder. A wound may become serious before it causes pain.
What to check
Check the tops, soles and spaces between your toes daily for cuts, blisters, redness, swelling or nail changes. Use a mirror or ask for help.
What a foot exam can check
Your care team can check feeling, skin, circulation and shoe fit. Have a thorough foot exam at least yearly; past ulcers, loss of feeling or circulation problems may mean more frequent visits. Tell the team about new numbness or a change in foot shape.
Treatment and what to expect
Regular visits help detect skin, nail and circulation problems. Ask how often you need an exam. Follow your diabetes treatment plan, and ask for help stopping smoking if needed. Ask the office to show you any area that is hard to inspect. Bring your usual shoes and a list of new foot changes to your visit.
When to call
Contact the office promptly for any new sore, blister, redness, swelling or drainage, even if it does not hurt. Do not wait for your next routine visit.
Your next steps
● Wash in lukewarm water and dry between toes. Moisturize dry skin, but not between toes.
● Wear shoes and clean socks. Check inside shoes before putting them on. Avoid bare feet and heating pads.
● Do not cut corns or calluses or use medicated removal pads. Ask for help with nail care and keep regular foot exams.
● If you trim your own nails, cut straight across and avoid cutting too short. Ask for help if you cannot see or reach your feet safely.
Making daily checks easier
Use a mirror or have someone help inspect the soles. Check inside your shoes for seams or objects before wearing them. Break in new shoes gradually and inspect for rubbing.
Test water temperature with your elbow or a thermometer. Wash gently rather than soaking. If your feet are cold, use socks instead of direct heat.
Changes that should not wait
Blood beneath a callus can signal a hidden wound. A newly hot, swollen foot also needs prompt assessment, even without much pain. Seek urgent care for black or foul-smelling skin or a foot infection that is worsening. If you cannot reach your usual office, use an urgent medical service. Do not walk on a new wound without advice about protecting it.