If you’re one of the 38 million Americans with diabetes, foot care is essential for reducing your risk of problems like diabetic ulcers and diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage). Keeping your blood sugar within the optimal range is a great place to start, but regular foot inspections are equally important.
At Aloha Foot and Ankle Associates, located in Mission Viejo, California, and serving patients throughout South Orange County, our board-certified podiatrists specialize in diabetic foot care. Since November is National Diabetes Month, this blog provides practical, step-by-step instructions for performing a diabetic foot check at home.
Diabetes increases the risk of foot problems because ongoing high blood sugar damages the nerves in your lower extremities –– the legs, feet, and toes. If these nerves don’t work well, you may cut your foot or step on a sharp object and not realize it. Bacteria can enter the wound, increasing the risk of infection and gangrene (tissue death).
Many people with diabetes also have poor circulation. Since healthy blood flow is necessary for wound healing, diabetic ulcers often take a long time to recover from.
After you’re diagnosed with diabetes, managing your blood sugar is vital. Lifestyle changes, like exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, and maintaining a healthy weight help. So, too, does taking your medication as prescribed, but problems can still arise.
Diabetic foot checks let you identify issues like cuts, blisters, and puncture wounds. These skin conditions often start small but can rapidly worsen without treatment. Routine foot inspections can provide peace of mind and protect your health.
Before you start, take off your shoes and socks. To save time, consider doing foot checks before or after baths or showers
Carefully examine your foot, checking the top, bottom, and sides for visible skin damage. Keep an eye out for calluses (areas of thickened skin), blisters, cuts, and scrapes. Likewise, watch for peeling and flaking skin and yellow, thickened toenails, which can indicate a fungal infection.
Next, look between each of your toes. The webbed skin in this area is incredibly delicate and susceptible to cuts and scratches. It can also collect moisture, increasing the risk of athlete’s foot.
Diabetes-related foot problems are often subtle. Carefully feel your feet and toes with your fingers, even if you don’t see any potential issues, like skin discoloration or blisters. Note any bumps or lumps. You should also be mindful of temperature changes; if a specific area is hot or cold to the touch, it could indicate nerve or circulation problems.
After examining your feet, wash them with warm water and antibacterial soap. Gently scrub the skin on the tops and bottoms of your feet and the skin between your toes. Once you’re finished, rinse your feet and pat them dry with a clean towel.
If you identified any problem areas during your foot check, take action. For example, if you have dry, cracked heels, use lotion or a moisturizing cream to prevent further irritation. If there’s a cut or blister, apply a topical antibacterial ointment and cover it with a small bandage. These steps can protect your feet and reduce the risk of complications, like infection.
Make an appointment with our caring podiatrists if you identify any problems during a diabetic foot check. Symptoms that can benefit from professional help include:
Most diabetes-related foot problems are preventable, and regular foot checks can help you stay healthy.
For professional diabetic foot care, book a consultation with one of the experienced board-certified podiatrists at Aloha Foot and Ankle Associates. Call the office at 949-364-2525, or request an appointment online.
