The Diabetes Self-manager: Foot Care

If you have diabetes, paying extra attention to your feet should be a top priority. That's because foot problems are on e of the main reasons people with diabetes are hospitalized. Fortunately, education and prevention can keep your feet marching in perfect time.

Why Focus on Feet?

How can diabetes affect my feet?

Diabetes increases your risk of developing neuropathy, or nerve damage. Believed to result from high blood sugar, neuropathy can cause you to slowly lose feeling in your feet. You could cut your foot on a stone and not even know it. Or you may wear shoes that are too tight and not even feel the painful blisters that develop.

Any cut, crack, or other opening in the skin is an open path for bacteria and other germs to invade. This could lead to a foot ulcer, or an open, inflamed sore.

Many people with diabetes also develop vascular disease, which causes poor circulation. If blood is not flowing properly to your feet, it takes longer for wounds and cuts to heal. This further increases your risk of foot ulcers.

About 15% of people with diabetes eventually develop a foot ulcer. While proper treatment can usually help, it is sometimes necessary to amputate.

Do some people with diabetes face a higher risk for serious foot problems?

Everyone with diabetes should take good care of his or her feet. But this becomes extremely important if you:

are age 60 or older
have lost feeling in your feet
suffer from poor circulation
have hammertoes, bunions, or other changes to the shape of the foot that result in extra friction from shoes and socks
have suffered one or more foot ulcers.

How can I prevent these foot problems?

Research shows that up to 50% of diabetic amputations can be prevented with proper foot care. Take the Foot Quiz to learn more.

Make Healthy Foot Habits Part of Your Routine

Are healthy foot habits part of your routine? Post this checklist in your bathroom or bedroom until regular foot care becomes second nature.

Always

Call your doctor if your feet are red, swollen, infected, painful, tingling, or numb. Call, too, if a cut, sore, bruise, or blister doesn't heal within one day.
Wear socks and shoes, and leave slippers by the side of your bed.

Every Day

Wash and dry your feet thoroughly. Don't forget to clean between your toes.
Clean any cuts or blisters with mild soap and water, and apply an antibiotic ointment and a bandage.
Carefully inspect the tops and bottoms of your feet and between your toes. If you cannot see any part of your foot, such as the bottom or heel, use a mirror or ask a relative or friend to help.
Note any redness, blisters, cuts, scratches, hard skin, and cracks. Also note very cold or very hot spots. Cold can signal circulation problems, and heat may mean an infection.
If your feet are dry, apply moisturizing cream—except between the toes. If your feet tend to sweat, apply talcum powder.
Before putting on any pair of shoes, inspect the inside for rough edges and foreign objects.
Change your shoes at least twice during the day.
To maintain healthy circulation, put your feet up when you sit and avoid crossing your legs. Wiggle your toes, and move your ankles up and down for five minutes two or three times a day.

As Needed

After a bath or shower, trim your nails straight across. Cut them even with the top of your toes. File rough edges with a nail file. If your nails are thick, misshapen, or hard to cut, see a doctor for nail care.
Check your socks for holes, and replace worn ones.

Every Year

Have your doctor perform a thorough foot exam. Your own doctor may suggest more frequent medical inspections.
Ask your doctor to inspect your shoes to make sure they provide adequate cushioning.