Podiatrist’s Guide to Maintaining Healthy Feet with Diabetes
Why Is Foot Health Critical for People with Diabetes?
Diabetes often leads to peripheral artery disease (PAD), which reduces blood flow to the extremities, including the feet. This impaired circulation slows down the healing process, making it difficult for the body to repair even minor injuries.
Simultaneously, diabetic neuropathy, or nerve damage, can cause a loss of sensation in the feet. This means you might not even feel a cut, blister, or sore, allowing it to worsen while going unnoticed.
High blood sugar levels can weaken the immune system, making individuals with diabetes more susceptible to infections.
When combined with poor circulation and neuropathy, even a small break in the skin can become a breeding ground for bacteria, leading to severe infections that are difficult to treat.
In the most severe cases, untreated infections of diabetic feet and non-healing ulcers can lead to gangrene aka tissue death. To prevent the spread of infection, amputation of a toe, foot, or leg may become necessary. However, the good news is that with early detection, proper care, and regular visits to a podiatrist, the risk of amputation from diabetic feet is significantly reduced.
Also Read: Tired, Achy Feet? Try These Simple Podiatrist-Approved Exercises
Your Foundation for Healthy Feet
A consistent daily foot care routine is the cornerstone of preventing diabetic foot problems. Here are five podiatrist-recommended steps to maintain a daily health regimen for your feet:
This is the most impactful step you can take in personal diabetic foot care. Here’s what to do:
Use a mirror if you have difficulty seeing the soles of your feet. Look out specifically for any redness, cuts, sores, swelling, blisters, corns, calluses, or changes in skin color.
Be sure to pay close attention to the areas between your toes, where moisture and friction can easily lead to problems that often go unnoticed.
Wash your feet each day with lukewarm (not scalding hot) water and a mild, gentle soap or cleanser. Hot water is a no-no since it can dry out the skin and increase the risk of burns, especially if you have neuropathy.
After washing, dry your feet thoroughly, paying particular attention to the areas between your toes. Moisture trapped between the toes can create a breeding ground for fungus, leading to uncomfortable, unsightly infections like athlete's foot.
(Not Between Your Toes)
Dry skin can crack, creating a superb entry point for bacteria. To prevent this, simply apply a thin layer of moisturizing cream or lotion to the tops and bottoms of your feet to keep the skin soft and supple.
However, be sure to avoid applying moisturizer between your toes, as this can trap moisture and thus increase the risk of fungal infections.
An important technique people often forget is to trim the toenails straight across to prevent troublesome ingrown toenails. Just be sure to avoid cutting them too short or rounding the edges.
If you have difficulty seeing or reaching your feet, or if your nails are thick or brittle, ask a family member or a podiatrist to trim them for you.
Before putting on your shoes, inspect the inside thoroughly for any rough spots, pebbles, or foreign objects that could rub against your feet and cause blisters or sores that you may not be able to feel.
Also, make sure your shoes fit well and provide the adequate support you need. Avoid shoes that are too tight, too loose, or have high heels, as these can put excessive pressure on your feet.
Also Read: What Can Cause Foot Corn?
Protecting Your Feet from Harm
Just as important as what you should do to maintain healthy feet with diabetes is what you need to avoid. Here are some practices that can put your feet at risk:
Even a few steps barefoot can expose your feet to sharp objects or rough surfaces, leading to cuts or punctures you may not be able to feel. Always wear shoes or slippers, even when walking around your house and other indoor areas.
It’s always a bad idea to attempt to cut or shave off corns or calluses yourself if you have diabetes. This can lead to infection and further complications. In a similar vein, avoid trying to dig out an ingrown toenail. These conditions should be treated by a podiatrist and not at home.
As we mentioned earlier, hot water can dry out the skin and increase the risk of burns for people with diabetes, especially if they have neuropathy. Heating pads can also cause burns if you have reduced sensation in your feet.
Tight shoes can restrict blood flow and increase pressure on your feet, while non-breathable materials like plastic can trap moisture and create a warm, damp environment that promotes fungal growth. The easy solution is to choose shoes made of highly breathable materials like leather or canvas.
Avoid using over-the-counter chemical treatments to remove warts, corns, or calluses from the feet without first consulting your podiatrist. These products can often be too harsh for people with diabetes and can damage the skin.
Recognizing the Red Flags
Regular visits to a podiatrist are necessary for the successful prevention and management of diabetic foot problems. Don't wait until you have a serious issue to seek professional help. Here are some situations when you should see a podiatrist:
These are all early signs of diabetic neuropathy and should be evaluated promptly to prevent further complications.
Any signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, pain, warmth, or drainage of pus, require immediate medical attention.
Any sore or wound that does not show any signs of healing within a few days should be examined by a local podiatrist.
If you notice any significant changes in your corns, calluses, or toenails, such as thickening, discoloration, or pain, consult your podiatrist as soon as possible.
Even if you don't have any symptoms, it's recommended that people with diabetes have their feet examined by a podiatrist at least once yearly. Your podiatrist can assess your risk factors, check your circulation and sensation, and provide preventive care.
Supportive Measures for Long-Term Foot Health
In addition to daily care and regular checkups, several supportive measures can promote better long-term foot health for people with diabetes, including:
Proper Footwear
Custom orthotics can also be helpful in redistributing pressure and supporting the foot's structure. Seamless socks are also popular for diabetic feet to help to reduce friction and prevent blisters.
Proper Blood Sugar Control
Smoking Cessation
Regular Checkups
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions about diabetic foot care:
At least once a year for a routine exam, and more often if you have any foot problems or risk factors.
Loss of sensation, tingling, burning pain, redness, swelling, and any cuts or sores that don't heal.
They are highly recommended, especially if you have neuropathy or foot deformities. They provide extra protection and support.
Yes, but you must inform the salon that you have diabetes and bring your own instruments. Choose a salon that is clean and uses proper sterilization techniques. It's often best to see a medical pedicurist.
Wash the area gently with mild soap and lukewarm water, apply an antiseptic, and cover it with a sterile bandage. Monitor it closely for signs of infection. If it doesn't heal within a few days, see your podiatrist.
Symptoms include numbness, tingling, burning pain, and loss of sensation in your feet. Your podiatrist can perform tests to check for neuropathy.
In some cases, improved glucose control may help slow the progression of neuropathy and, in some instances, improve sensation. However, nerve damage is often irreversible.
They may provide some cushioning, but custom orthotics are often recommended for people with diabetes, especially if they have foot deformities or neuropathy, as they can provide better support and pressure redistribution.
Yes, but you need to choose low-impact exercises that don't put excessive stress on your feet, such as swimming, cycling, or walking in well-fitting shoes. Consult your podiatrist for recommendations.
Daily foot inspections, proper footwear, blood sugar control, and regular visits to your podiatrist are key.
Better Foot Health for Diabetes
In conclusion, even though foot health is important for everyone, diabetics must be particularly mindful as they are much more susceptible to infections and medical complications. Most of this is because often, people with diabetes cannot feel injuries on their feet due to poor circulation.
By following the daily foot care routine, avoiding harmful practices, and seeking regular care from a podiatrist, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing foot ulcers, infections, and other complications.
Remember that early detection and prevention of foot problems are key. Take control of your foot health today and make it a priority. Your feet will thank you for it.
For diabetic foot care in the Elk Grove area, make an appointment today with Advanced Foot and Ankle Specialists.
In addition to our Elk Grove Village office, we have convenient locations in Elgin, Huntley, and Montclare - Chicago for all your podiatry needs.