Routine Preventive Diabetic Foot Care

What You Need To Know

Understanding your risk level and the role of routine foot care when you have diabetes.

Preventive Foot Care for Diabetes

People with diabetes need to take special care with their feet, since they are especially susceptible to foot problems. Poor circulation and nerve damage (known as peripheral neuropathy) are two aspects of the disease that can lead to serious complications. A lack of feeling may keep you from knowing there’s an issue, and even something as small as a scratch can quickly turn into a major concern. That’s why diabetic foot care is so important.

It is important to recognize that not all patients with diabetes are at the same risk for getting into trouble with their feet. Some patients we will want to see every three to four months for what is frequently called preventative diabetic foot care, while others can go a year before having another foot evaluation. It is important to know where you stand.

At University Foot and Ankle Institute, you’ll find the expert care you need, including not only diagnosis and treatment, but prevention tips, prescription shoes, and orthotics. We specialize in offering comprehensive foot assessments to determine your individualized risk level.

If you are newly diagnosed with diabetes and need to determine your risk for foot problems, if you suffer from numbness and need your feet checked and cared for on a regular basis, or if you are dealing with an ulcer that has been hard to heal, please contact our specialists to schedule an evaluation.

Daily Care and Prevention at Home

Maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine is essential for keeping your weight at a healthy level and your blood glucose in check. We can help you develop a nutritional plan as well as an exercise program that best suits your lifestyle. It’s easier to stick with it when you have support, and we are here for you.

Because it’s important to catch any foot problems before they become serious, those with diabetes should perform foot self-exams on a daily basis. Inspect for things like swelling, redness, and temperature change, all signs of possible problems. Also look for calluses and corns that often develop on pressure areas like the ball of the foot. If your heels are cracked from dryness, those cracks may worsen and in some cases can get infected, just as cuts and blisters can.

A few simple habits can go a long way in preventing problems:

Never go barefoot, since sensation loss can prevent you from realizing you have stepped on a sharp object. Make sure the shoes you wear fit properly to avoid rubbing that could cause blisters, and change your socks every day to keep them clean and dry. Keep your toenails trimmed, and when you wash your feet, use warm water and mild soap while avoiding hot water. Towel your feet off thoroughly, especially between the toes where bacteria and fungi can build. Apply lotion to keep dryness at bay, avoiding between the toes, and try not to cross your legs for long stretches of time.

If you notice any signs of trouble during a self-exam, call us or book online right away so we can address the problem before it progresses.