Diabetes: foot care

Foot problems are very common for anyone with diabetes. People with diabetes often have poor blood flow in their feet. Poor blood flow makes healing take longer. If there is diabetic nerve damage in the feet, the ability to feel pain, heat, and cold will be lessened. This puts the person at risk for developing serious foot problems.

Diabetes can cause conditions of the feet that include skin changes, calluses, ulcers, nerve damage, poor circulation (Vascular Surgery), and infections. A break in the skin or untrimmed calluses can turn into open sores called ulcers. Neglected foot ulcers can become infected. Without proper care of the infection, gangrene can set in putting the person at risk for amputation. For all these reasons, good foot care is important.

Good foot care helps to prevent injuries, breaks in the skin, and infections. Keeping the blood sugar in tight control is also important in preventing foot problems.

When diagnosed with diabetes, the person needs to have a foot exam by a healthcare provider. This could be the provider for the diabetes or a podiatrist. The provider will test the circulation in the foot and the nerve function. Foot care will be explained. Any problems, even minor ones, will be examined and treated. Additional foot problems could include corns, athlete's foot, blisters, or ingrown toenails.

People with diabetes should have yearly foot exams. More often, however, if any blood flow problems or nerve damage of the feet exist. A provider should be called any time there is a break in the skin or a sore place on the foot.

Having very dry feet is common. Do not use any lotions or over-the- counter medications on the feet without checking first with your provider. The provider will suggest the appropriate lotion and medication for the condition. Wash and dry the feet before applying any lotion. Apply lotion to the whole foot, but not between the toes.

The American Diabetes Association recommends the following care to keep your feet healthy:

• Keep your blood sugar in control.
• Wash your feet every day. Dry them carefully, especially between the toes.
• Check your feet every day for sores, calluses, red spots, cuts, swelling, and blisters. If you cannot see the bottom of your feet, use a mirror or ask someone for help.
• Keep dry skin lubricated.
• Do not put your feet into hot water. Test water before putting your feet in it, just as you would before bathing a baby.
• If your feet are cold, wear socks. Never use hot water bottles, heating pads, or electric blankets. You can burn your feet without realizing it.
• Do not cut off blood flow to your feet. Don't wear garters.
• Do not use chemicals on corns, calluses, or warts. Over-the- counter products are often too strong for use by people with diabetes. They can burn your feet. Do not cut corns or calluses yourself.
• Cut your toenails straight across and file the edges. Do not rip off hangnails.
• Wear flat shoes that fit your feet. They should be comfortable when you buy them, and break in your new shoes slowly.
• If feeling has been lost in your feet, ask your healthcare provider for advice on proper shoes.
• Consider wearing comfortable walking shoes every day.
• Check inside your shoes before putting them on. Make sure no pebbles, nails, or other sharp objects are in them and that the shoe itself is not rough and the lining is not torn.
• Choose socks carefully. They should not have seams or other bumpy areas and should wick moisture away from the skin. Do not wear mended socks. Pull your socks on gently to prevent ripping toenails. Choose padded athletic socks to protect your feet and make walking more comfortable.
• Never walk barefoot. You could injure your feet and not notice it. Keep slippers by your bed to use when you get up at night.
• Do not smoke.
• See your healthcare provider at the first sign of infection or inflammation.

Last Reviewed 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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