Diabetic Foot Care

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with diabetes, watch out for wounds that do not heal properly, as well as any unusual foot sensations. Some people with diabetes have reduced sensation in their feet, making them unable to feel any pain or wounds in the area. Untreated wounds can get infected and worsen and may require amputation as treatment to help stop the infection from spreading. 

Patients with diabetes should be screened annually to get their foot ulcer risk checked. Work with your healthcare provider to familiarize yourself with a foot care routine to help reduce the risk of diabetes complications.

What Is Diabetic Foot? 

Diabetic foot is a diabetes-related complication that develops due to the following factors, their combinations or other factors not listed here:

  • Peripheral arterial disease – characterized by poor blood circulation in the limbs.
  • Peripheral neuropathy – nerve damage affecting the limbs and caused by high blood sugar and high fat levels in the blood from diabetes.
  • Foot ulcer – a type of wound with an open sore on the skin of the foot that is slow to heal. An ulcer forms when the skin’s top layers or tissue have been removed. A simple cut or scrape on the skin may turn into an ulcer, but the person may be unaware it’s there if they have neuropathy. A foot ulcer may be caused by ill-fitting footwear, improper foot care, foot deformities, dry skin, etc.

What Are the Symptoms of Diabetic Foot?

A diabetic foot may be hard to detect for people who have reduced or lost sensation in the lower limbs. That is why it is important to visually check the foot for any abnormalities. Do not ignore if you experience the following symptoms in your feet or lower limbs, as they may be signs of possible diabetic foot:

  • Loss of feeling in the feet or legs
  • Tingling, needles or burning feeling in the lower limbs
  • Feet feel very cold when you touch them
  • You cannot feel the pulse in your feet
  • Skin changes like drying skin and lack of hair growth where there used to be

Why Is Foot Care Important for Diabetics? 

Diabetes may lead to nerve damage over time, making you lose feeling in your skin. When this happens, you may not feel if you have a small wound or cut on your skin, leading to untreated wounds or sores that can become infected. Since diabetes also involves poor blood circulation, there is not enough blood reaching your legs and feet, making it hard for an infection or sore to heal. 

With worsening ulcers and without proper treatment, amputation may be needed to prevent infection from spreading to the rest of the body and save the life of the patient. Fortunately, good foot care can help prevent serious complications of diabetic foot infection. 

10 Diabetic Foot Care Tips 

Proper diabetic foot care includes:

  1. Do a visual check of your feet every day for any sores, blisters, redness, cuts, cracks or wounds. Use a mirror for a thorough inspection.
  2. Wear socks that are seamless and not too tight. Your socks should also be white or light-colored so you can easily see if there is any bleeding or drainage. The material should be made of wool or synthetic fabric to help keep feet dry.
  3. Wash your feet daily in warm water. Don’t soak your feet for long periods, as it can dry your skin. Thoroughly dry your feet after, especially between the toes.
  4. Apply fragrance- and alcohol-free moisturizing lotion on your feet. Avoid putting lotion between your toes, as too much moisture in this area can cause skin to break down.
  5. Trim your toenails straight across. Use a nail file to smooth out any sharp edges.
  6. Do not remove calluses or corns yourself.
  7. Put your feet up while you’re sitting and wiggle your toes for a few minutes. Do this several times a day, every day.
  8. Check with your doctor about foot-friendly activities you can do.
  9. Wear proper footwear and make sure to always wear socks with it. Never go barefoot, even in the bath or shower.
  10. Have your feet measured by a diabetic foot care doctor so you can have a guide as you try on shoes.

Find a Podiatric Surgeon

Whether you need preventive or emergency vascular care, we are here to help. To schedule an appointment with a vascular surgeon at the Vascular Institute of San Antonio, connect with our network of providers here or call 210-962-5709. Our vascular care addresses various conditions, including peripheral artery disease, carotid artery disease, dialysis access, abdominal aortic aneurysms and venous disease.

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