Put Your Best Foot Forward: Caring for Diabetic Feet

High blood sugar levels can lead to nerve damage and poor circulation, which increases the risk of foot injuries and infections. But with daily care and regular checkups, you can avoid serious problems and keep your feet healthy.

Diabetes can affect your feet in two major ways:

• Nerve Damage (Neuropathy): You may not feel pain, heat, or injury—making it easy to miss a problem.
• Poor Circulation: Reduced blood flow slows healing, increasing the risk of infections or ulcers.

Left unchecked, even small issues like blisters or cuts can lead to more serious complications, including infection or amputation. Fortunately, most of these outcomes are preventable with early action and consistent foot care.

Daily Foot Care Tips

1. Check Your Feet: Examine your feet daily for any blisters, cuts, or changes in skin color and appearance (redness, swelling).
2. Wash and Dry Feet Carefully: Wash feet with soap and warm water and dry thoroughly. Remember to dry in between the toes!
3. Moisturize: Apply lotion to feet to avoid excessive drying that can lead to skin breakage and cracks.
4. Toenail Care: Keep toenails trimmed short and straight across to prevent sharp edges from developing.
5. Footwear: Choose shoes that are comfortable and supportive, and make sure socks are breathable to prevent retained moisture that can lead to skin breakage. Avoid walking barefoot, even when indoors.

When to Seek Medical Attention:

If you notice any of the following signs, seek immediate attention from a healthcare professional:

• A sore or cut that doesn’t heal
• swelling, warmth, skin changes (redness/blue skin)
• loss of sensation or severe tingling

Annual Foot Exams

The AAFP advises that all people with diabetes receive a comprehensive foot exam at least once a year. This includes checking for sensation using a monofilament test and assessing circulation and skin integrity. Patients with a history of foot problems may need more frequent evaluations.

Blood Sugar Control

Preventative care starts with controlling your blood sugar, as this helps prevent nerve and blood vessel damage. Along with foot care, be sure to:

• Follow your diabetes meal plan
• Take medications as directed
• Stay active (even short daily walks help)
• Avoid smoking
• Monitor your blood sugar regularly

In Conclusion

Diabetic foot problems are serious, but they’re also largely preventable. With just a few minutes of care each day and regular medical checkups, individuals with diabetes can stay ahead of potential complications—and stay on their feet!

Dr. Ana Martinez is a resident physician who sees patients of all ages and provides obstetrical services at Lone Star Family Health Center, a non-profit 501©3 Federally Qualified Health Center operating facilities in Conroe, Spring, Willis, Grangerland, and Huntsville, and serving as home to a fully integrated Family Medicine Residency Program to increase the number of Family Medicine physicians for Texas and our community.