Routine Preventive Diabetic Foot Care

What You Need To Know

Understanding your risk level is the first step in protecting your feet.

Preventive Foot Care for Diabetes

People with diabetes need to take special care with their feet, since they are especially susceptible to foot problems. Poor circulation and nerve damage, known as peripheral neuropathy, are two aspects of the disease that can lead to serious complications. A lack of feeling may keep you from knowing there’s an issue, and even something as small as a scratch can quickly turn into a major concern.

It is important to recognize that not all patients with diabetes are at the same risk for getting into trouble with their feet. Some patients we will want to see every three to four months for what is frequently called preventive diabetic foot care, while others can go a year before having another foot evaluation. It is important to know where you stand.

Common warning signs to watch for include numbness, tingling, or a loss of sensation in the feet, along with changes in skin color, swelling, or slow-healing sores. Because neuropathy can mask pain, small problems like blisters, cuts, or cracked heels can progress quickly if they are not caught early.

At Desert Foot and Ankle, we offer comprehensive foot assessments to determine your individualized risk level. If you are newly diagnosed with diabetes and need to determine your risk, if you suffer from numbness and need your feet checked on a regular basis, or if you are dealing with a wound that has been hard to heal, please contact our team to schedule an evaluation.

Daily Care and Prevention at Home

When you take care of yourself, you take care of your feet. Maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine is essential for keeping your weight at a healthy level and your blood glucose in check. It’s easier to stick with it when you have support, and we are here to help.

Because it’s important to catch any foot problems before they become serious, those with diabetes should perform foot self-exams on a daily basis. Inspect for things like swelling, redness, and temperature change, all signs of possible problems. Also look for calluses and corns that often develop on pressure areas like the ball of the foot. If your heels are cracked from dryness, those cracks may worsen and in some cases become infected, just as cuts and blisters can.

A few simple habits can go a long way toward keeping your feet healthy:

Never go barefoot, since sensation loss can prevent you from realizing you have stepped on something sharp. Make sure your shoes fit properly to avoid rubbing and blisters, and change your socks every day to keep them clean and dry. Keep your toenails trimmed, wash your feet with warm (not hot) water and mild soap, and dry thoroughly between the toes where bacteria and fungi can build. Apply lotion to keep dryness at bay, but avoid the areas between the toes. Protect your feet from extreme temperatures, and try not to cross your legs for long stretches, which places pressure on circulation and nerves.

If you notice any signs of trouble during a daily check, call our office right away so we can take a look before a small issue becomes a serious one.