People with diabetes face unique challenges when it comes to foot health. The disease affects your body in ways that make foot problems more likely and more dangerous.
Poor blood sugar control damages nerves and blood vessels in your feet. This makes even small cuts potentially life-threatening. Foot care for diabetics is not just about comfort – it can prevent infections, ulcers, and amputations that change lives forever.
Your feet deserve the same careful attention you give to checking your blood sugar.
In this blog, we will discuss how diabetic foot care today can save your feet and your independence tomorrow.
Why Diabetic Foot Care Matters
High blood sugar over time can cause diabetic neuropathy, which damages the nerves in your feet. Difficulty in sensing pain, heat, or injury increases. You could step on something sharp or develop blisters without noticing.
At the same time, diabetes also weakens blood circulation to your feet. Poor circulation slows healing and makes infections more likely.
How to Inspect Your Feet Every Day
Checking your feet every day is one of the most important habits you can build. Sit in a well-lit room and examine both feet closely. To examine the soles of your feet, either use a mirror or get assistance from someone else.
Look for cuts, blisters, redness, swelling, or sores. Pay attention to changes in skin color — pale, blue, or dark areas can signal circulation problems. Check between your toes for peeling skin, redness, or white patches, which may be signs of fungal infections.
Do not ignore thick, discolored, or ingrown toenails. These can also lead to infections if left untreated. Catching small foot issues early makes them much easier to treat.
How to Wash and Dry Your Feet Properly
Wash your feet daily using warm — not hot — water. First, test the water temperature with your wrist or a thermometer. Then, use a mild, unscented soap and wash your feet gently, paying special attention to the areas between your toes.
Dry your feet by patting them with a soft towel, taking care to dry between your toes completely. Moisture left there increases the risk of fungal infections like athlete’s foot.
After drying, apply unscented lotion to the tops and bottoms of your feet to prevent cracks, but avoid putting lotion between your toes. Healthy skin lowers the risk of infection.
Choosing the Right Shoes and Socks
The health of your feet is significantly impacted by your choice of footwear. Poorly fitted shoes cause pressure sores, blisters, and wounds that heal slowly.
Ensure your shoes are a comfortable fit, allowing enough space for your toes to wiggle freely. Shop in the afternoon when feet tend to swell slightly. Look for shoes made of breathable materials like leather or canvas to help keep your feet dry. Choose shoes with low heels and good arch support. High heels put extra pressure on the front of your feet.
Wear clean, dry socks every day. Use moisture-wicking materials and avoid tight elastic bands that can reduce circulation. Change your socks immediately if they become damp.
How to Handle Minor Foot Problems
Never attempt to cut calluses or corns yourself. Instead, gently smooth them with a pumice stone after bathing, or see your primary care doctor for safe removal.
For small cuts, wash the area with mild soap and water, apply antibiotic ointment if recommended, and cover with a clean bandage. Daily bandage changes are recommended. Monitor for signs of infection, including redness, warmth, swelling, or pus.
If a wound does not start healing within 24 hours or appears infected, contact your healthcare provider immediately for professional care.
Warning Signs That Need Medical Attention
Some foot problems require immediate care. Call your doctor if you notice:
- Redness, swelling, or warmth around a wound
- Pus or foul-smelling drainage
- Bleeding that does not stop with pressure
- Sudden loss of sensation in your feet
- Changes in foot shape or collapse of the arch (possible Charcot foot)
Never wait to see if a serious wound “gets better on its own.” Early foot care for diabetics can prevent serious complications and save your feet.
Foot Care for Diabetics in Irmo, SC
Managing diabetes and preventing complications is easier with a healthcare team that understands your needs. If you are searching for primary care for adults, choose a provider experienced in diabetic care.
At SC Internal Medicine Associates and Rehabilitation, our experienced providers specialize in helping people with diabetes stay healthy and active. We offer comprehensive primary care, education, and support tailored to your needs — including guidance on foot care, blood sugar management, and more.
If you or a loved one has diabetes, trust the compassionate experts at SC Internal Medicine Associates and Rehabilitation. Call us today at (803) 749-1111 or use our appointment request form to schedule your appointment. Your health, comfort, and independence are our top priorities — let us help you protect them.
