4 Easy Steps for Foot Care with Diabetes

Caring for your feet is crucial, especially if you have diabetes. Neuropathy, or the loss of feeling or numbness in limbs caused by nerve damage, can reduce your ability to feel pain, heat, or cold, making you unaware of injuries like cuts or blisters until they become infected. Small cuts and ulcers can lead to serious infections and limb loss. Protect your feet by following these four steps to prevent injury and reduce the risk of foot problems with diabetes and neuropathy.

Step 1: Inspect Your Feet Daily

Use a mirror to see the bottom of your feet or ask someone for help. Wounds, cuts, and injuries do not heal as well for diabetics and may need care. Call your doctor if you notice any of the following:

• Hot spots, red streaks, swelling, cracks, sores, injuries, or foreign objects in your foot.
• Sensations such as burning, tingling, or the feeling of pins and needles.
• Toenail problems including nails growing into the skin causing redness or pain.
• Nail thickening, yellowing, or discoloration.
• Wash your feet every day in lukewarm water and mild soap, making sure to wash between toes.
• Use a soft towel to dry your feet well, especially between the toes. Use a gentle patting motion.
• Apply a moisturizing lotion and pay special attention to the heel area; do not apply lotion between toes.
• Do not trim or cut your toenails, corns, or calluses yourself.
• Never walk barefoot.
• Do not wear tight or uncomfortable shoes.
• Make sure socks and shoes fit properly.
• Avoid shoes with open toes, heels, and narrow toe area.

Step 2: Daily Cleaning

• Wash your feet every day in lukewarm water and mild soap, making sure to wash between toes.
• Use a soft towel to dry your feet well, especially between the toes. Use a gentle patting motion.
• Apply a moisturizing lotion and pay special attention to the heel area; do not apply lotion between toes.
• Do not trim or cut your toenails, corns, or calluses yourself.

Step 3: Wear Proper Footwear

• Never walk barefoot.
• Do not wear tight or uncomfortable shoes.
• Make sure socks and shoes fit properly.
• Avoid shoes with open toes, heels, and narrow toe area.

Step 4: Get Regular Exercise

Exercise regularly to improve blood flow and increase foot flexibility and strength. Gentle exercise like walking or riding a stationary bicycle are a great place to start.

Have Regular Checkups

Foot problems develop quickly, so it is important to see your healthcare provider at least annually. Regular checkups are vital to help track blood flow and feeling in feet.

If you have a non-healing or infected wound, seek specialized help. Learn how the Wound Treatment Centers can help. MyMichigan Health has 12 locations to provide care close to home.

Carlyn Hinish, D.P.M., is a podiatrist seeing patients at MyMichigan Orthopedics & Sports Medicine in Saginaw, as well as MyMichigan Podiatry in Bay City. She is also a provider at Wound Care in Saginaw and the Wound Treatment Center in Tawas City.