For people managing diabetes, taking care of their feet is crucial. High blood sugar can cause nerve damage (neuropathy), leading to a loss of feeling in the feet. That means minor injuries, such as cuts or blisters, can go unnoticed and quickly develop into a severe, hard-to-treat infection. Over 80,000 diabetic foot ulcers are treated in U.S. hospitals annually, often leading to prolonged care and major surgery.
A daily foot check is your best defense against major complications. In recognition of Diabetes Awareness Month, the board-certified podiatrists at Premier Foot and Ankle Center, with offices in Worcester and Whitinsville, Massachusetts, offer their simple guide for performing your own foot check. It takes only minutes and could literally save your feet.
The goal is to look closely for anything new or unusual. Check for cuts, scrapes, blisters, redness, swelling, or bruises. Don't forget the sides, the heels, and the ankle area. This step is crucial because about half of all people with diabetes have some form of neuropathy, meaning they may not feel minor injuries.
If it's hard to see the bottom of your feet, use a small hand mirror or ask a family member for assistance.
The skin between your toes is a hidden spot where problems often begin. Look for cracks, peeling skin, or signs of athlete's foot, which is a common fungal infection. When drying your feet after showering, gently pat the skin between your toes until it is completely dry. Leaving this area moist creates the perfect breeding ground for fungus and bacteria.
Examine your toenails and the surrounding skin. Are your nails discolored (yellow or brown), unusually thick, or brittle? These can be indicators of a fungal infection. Also, check for any signs of an ingrown toenail, which can easily cause a break in the skin and lead to an infection. If trimming your nails is difficult or risky for you, a foot specialist can help you manage them safely.
Gently run your hand over both feet. Do they feel equally warm? Increased warmth or any noticeable swelling in one foot compared to the other can be an early sign of a severe infection or a condition called Charcot foot (a breakdown of bones in the foot). Since you may not feel pain, these temperature changes serve as a vital warning signal. Also, feel for any new lumps or hard spots.
Your footwear is a frequent cause of injury. Before putting on your shoes, look inside them for loose objects (such as small pebbles), rough stitching, or wrinkles in the lining that could rub against your skin and cause a blister.
Check your socks, too. They should be clean, dry, and not have elastic that leaves deep marks on your legs, which can cut off circulation. Because of the risk of injury, it’s safest always to wear shoes or protective slippers on your feet, even when walking around the house.
Performing these five steps daily can significantly reduce your risk of major complications. However, even with the best at-home care, professional help is necessary.
If you notice any changes—a new sore, persistent redness, a spot that won't start healing, or drainage—call a specialist immediately.
Do not wait for the problem to get worse. If you have diabetes and are concerned about your foot health, schedule a comprehensive exam with the experts at Premier Foot and Ankle Center. Click here to reach our three convenient locations.
