Living with diabetes means paying extra attention to your feet. Diabetes can affect circulation and cause nerve damage, making it harder to notice injuries, changes in temperature, or other problems. Even a small cut or blister can become a serious concern if left untreated.

The good news? A few simple habits can make a big difference in keeping your feet healthy.

At Indy Podiatry, we encourage patients with diabetes to take a proactive approach to foot care. Here are some important dos and don'ts to help protect your feet and prevent complications.

DO: Check Your Feet Every Day

One of the most important habits for diabetic foot care is performing a daily foot inspection.

Look for:

  • Cuts, scrapes, or blisters

  • Redness or swelling

  • Changes in skin color

  • Toenail problems

  • Sores or areas of irritation

Be sure to check the bottoms of your feet and between your toes, too. If you have difficulty seeing these areas, use a mirror or ask someone to help.

Because diabetes can reduce sensation in your feet, you may not always feel an injury when it happens.

DON'T: Walk Barefoot, Even at Home

Walking barefoot may seem harmless, but for someone with diabetes, even a small scratch or cut can lead to complications.

Protect your feet by wearing properly fitting shoes or protective footwear, including around the house.

Before putting on your shoes, shake them out and feel inside for small objects, rough spots, or anything that could irritate your feet. If you have reduced sensation, you might not notice something inside your shoe until it has already caused an injury.

DO: Keep Your Skin Moisturized

Dry, cracked skin can create openings where bacteria may enter.

Regularly applying moisturizer can help prevent dryness, itching, and cracking. Pay special attention to areas prone to dryness, such as your heels.

Avoid applying moisturizer between your toes, where excess moisture can encourage skin problems.

DON'T: Expose Your Feet to Excessive Heat

Diabetes-related nerve damage can make it difficult to recognize when something is too hot.

Avoid using heating pads, hot water bottles, or electric blankets to warm your feet. These items can cause burns without you realizing it.

When bathing, always test the water temperature with your hand before placing your feet in the water.

DO: Keep Your Feet Moving

Movement can help promote blood flow to your feet.

Try wiggling your toes and moving your ankles for five minutes, two to three times each day.

Maintaining healthy blood sugar levels is also essential. Poorly controlled blood sugar can contribute to nerve damage, increasing the risk of foot complications.

DON'T: Attempt to Remove Corns or Calluses Yourself

Corns and calluses may seem like minor issues, but attempting to remove them yourself can damage your skin.

Avoid cutting, shaving, or using at-home treatments to remove thickened skin.

Instead, schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can evaluate the area and recommend appropriate treatment.

DO: Choose the Right Socks and Shoes

Proper footwear plays an important role in protecting diabetic feet.

Avoid tight socks, restrictive elastic bands, and thick, bulky socks that may create unnecessary pressure.

During cold or wet weather, keep your feet warm and dry with appropriate socks and waterproof footwear. Wet feet can lead to skin irritation and other problems.

Comfortable, properly fitting shoes can help reduce friction and protect your feet throughout the day.

DON'T: Ignore Changes in Your Feet

One serious complication associated with diabetes is a condition called Charcot foot.

Charcot foot occurs when the bones and joints of the foot weaken in people with significant nerve damage, also known as neuropathy.

Warning signs may include:

  • Swelling

  • Redness

  • Unusual warmth

  • Reduced sensation

  • Pain or discomfort, although pain may be absent

If you notice these symptoms, seek immediate evaluation from a foot and ankle specialist. Early recognition and treatment are important to help prevent further damage.

DO: Schedule Regular Diabetic Foot Exams

Even if your feet feel fine, regular podiatry appointments are an important part of managing diabetes.

A podiatrist can examine your feet for potential concerns, monitor changes, and identify problems before they become more serious.

Routine foot care and early intervention can help reduce the risk of complications, including wounds, infections, and amputations.

Protect Your Feet With Indy Podiatry

Taking care of your feet is an important part of managing diabetes. Daily inspections, proper footwear, healthy blood sugar levels, and regular podiatry visits can all help protect your long-term foot health.

At Indy Podiatry, our experienced podiatrists provide comprehensive diabetic foot care, including preventive examinations, wound care, and treatment for a variety of foot and ankle conditions.

Don't wait until a small problem becomes a serious one. Contact Indy Podiatry today to schedule a diabetic foot examination at our Indianapolis or Fishers office.

Source: American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS), "The Dos & Don'ts for Diabetic Foot Care."

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