5 Essential Components of an Effective Diabetic Foot Care Routine

Diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases, and while many people focus on keeping their blood sugar within the optimal range, routine foot care is equally important, since about 15% of people with diabetes develop leg or foot ulcers.

Michael Tran, DPM, at AllCare Foot and Ankle Center in Arlington and Dallas, Texas, frequently helps patients with diabetes keep their feet and toes healthy. Although he serves adults of all ages, Dr. Tran has extensive experience treating women ages 35-55. 

Here, Dr. Tran shares his five top tips for preventing diabetes-related foot and toe complications. First, we explain how the condition affects your feet.

How does diabetes affect the feet?

Diabetes causes sugar (glucose) to build up in the bloodstream. Cells throughout the body use a hormone called insulin to convert sugar into energy. But patients with diabetes either don’t make enough insulin or don’t use it effectively, so sugar builds up. 

High blood sugar increases the risk of various health problems, including heart disease and nerve damage (neuropathy). It also causes poor circulation to the feet, increasing the risk of ulcers (slow-healing wounds) and other infections.

Take care of your feet to reduce risks

The good news is that even if you have diabetes, foot problems aren’t guaranteed. Simple preventive steps can significantly reduce your risk. Here are components of an effective diabetic foot care routine.

Perform daily foot checks

One of the most common side effects of diabetes is neuropathy, which affects the nerves’ ability to feel sensations. If the nerves in your feet and toes don’t function fully, you may stub a toe or cut yourself and not realize it. 

If a small wound develops, it may become infected, increasing the risk of gangrene (tissue death) and amputation.

Daily foot inspections can prevent these and other severe complications. 

Each morning, before putting your shoes and socks on, look at the tops, bottoms, and sides of your feet. In addition, check your toenails and the webbing between your toes, looking for redness, swelling, or other visible issues. 

If you notice signs of infection, contact us right away. A professional podiatry exam can determine the best course of treatment.

Keep your feet clean and moisturized

Have you noticed that the skin on your feet and toes is drier than other parts of your body? This is a common problem, especially for people who are middle-aged. Unfortunately, having dry skin increases the risk of cracking, peeling, and other types of damage that may lead to an infection.

Wash your feet at least once a day with a gentle soap and warm water. After leaving the bath or shower, dab your feet dry with a soft, clean towel and apply a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer to your heels and toes. 

Wear supportive footwear

Many women work busy schedules and spend hours each day on their feet. They’re also more likely to wear high heels or other shoes that crowd the toes and cause friction or pressure. 

Those without diabetes may only experience blisters, corns, or calluses, but for people with diabetes, even minor injuries like these can increase the risk of infection and diabetic ulcers. 

Diabetic shoes, which are softer, roomier, and have extra padding, can help keep your feet comfortable throughout the day.

If you don’t want to change shoes, custom orthotics can reduce friction in certain areas, like bunions, so you can stand and walk without pain.

Practice healthy habits that support circulation

Diabetes typically worsens over time unless you take steps to slow its progression. Healthy lifestyle changes can go a long way toward reducing this risk. For example, taking diabetes medication as prescribed can keep your blood sugar within a healthy range. 

Similarly, exercising for at least 30 minutes daily can support healthy circulation to your feet and toes. Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol can also help oxygen and other essential nutrients reach your lower extremities more easily.

Schedule an annual podiatry exam

Many diabetes-related complications develop slowly over years or decades. Visiting a podiatrist, such as Dr. Tran, at least once a year can catch potential problems early before they turn into more serious issues. 

It also presents an opportunity to ask questions and learn new foot care techniques that support your mobility and general health.

Don’t wait to schedule diabetic foot care

Diabetes has no cure, but that doesn’t mean it has to affect your mobility or quality of life. If you’re living with diabetes and it’s been more than a year since your last podiatry checkup, contact us today for diabetic foot care. Call our nearest office or schedule online. 

We can create a customized plan to keep your feet healthy and reduce the risk of common diabetes-related complications, including neuropathy, ulcers, and bunions.