Diabetic Foot Care

Why Diabetes Affects the Feet

Diabetes mellitus affects the feet through two primary mechanisms that can work silently and dangerously over time:

• Peripheral neuropathy — elevated blood sugar gradually damages the nerves in the feet, reducing or eliminating the sensation of pain, temperature, and pressure. Without this protective pain signal, injuries go unnoticed and untreated.
• Peripheral arterial disease — diabetes accelerates hardening of the arteries, reducing blood flow to the lower limbs. Poor circulation means that even minor wounds heal slowly or not at all, and that the immune system cannot effectively fight infection.

The combination of these two factors is why diabetes is the leading cause of non-traumatic lower limb amputation in the United States. The great news is that the vast majority of diabetes-related amputations are preventable with proper foot care and regular podiatric monitoring.

Daily Foot Care Habits

People with diabetes should establish a daily foot care routine:

• Inspect your feet every day — check the tops, bottoms, sides, heels, and between every toe for cuts, blisters, redness, swelling, or wounds. Use a mirror or ask someone to help if you cannot see clearly.
• Wash feet daily — use warm (not hot) water and mild soap. Dry thoroughly, especially between the toes, where moisture promotes fungal growth.
• Moisturize — apply lotion to the tops and bottoms of feet to prevent cracking, but avoid putting cream between the toes.
• Never walk barefoot — even indoors. A small pebble or rough surface can cause an injury that goes unnoticed for days.
• Trim toenails carefully — cut straight across and file sharp edges. If you cannot see well or your nails are thick, have them trimmed professionally.
• Choose footwear carefully — shoes should fit well, have a wide toe box, and be inspected inside before wearing to check for objects or rough spots.
• Wear moisture-wicking socks — without seams that can rub and cause blisters.

Warning Signs That Require Immediate Attention

Contact our office promptly if you notice any of the following:

• Any cut, blister, or sore that has not started healing within 24–48 hours
• Redness, warmth, or swelling around a wound
• Drainage, odor, or discoloration of wound fluid
• A change in the color or temperature of any part of the foot
• Ingrown toenails or callouses — never try to treat these yourself
• Numbness, tingling, or burning in the feet
• Pain in the legs when walking that goes away at rest (a possible sign of arterial disease)

Professional Podiatric Care for Diabetics

People with diabetes should see a podiatrist regularly — typically every 2–3 months, or more frequently if active foot problems are present. At Arnold Ross DPM & Associates, your visits include:

• Comprehensive vascular and neurological assessment of the feet
• Professional nail care and callous management (safer than self-treatment)
• Wound evaluation and treatment
• Custom diabetic footwear recommendations and orthotic fitting
• Patient education to empower you to protect your own feet