Diabetic Foot Care: A Daily Guide

If you have diabetes, your feet need extra attention. Diabetes can damage the nerves in your feet (so you may not feel a cut or blister) and slow healing (so a small wound can become serious). A few minutes of daily care prevents most diabetic foot problems.

1 Check your feet every day

Look at the top, bottom, and between every toe
Use a hand mirror for the soles, or ask a family member for help
Look for cuts, blisters, redness, swelling, or color changes
Touch each area to feel for warm or cold spots

2 Protect your feet

Never walk barefoot, even indoors
Check inside shoes for pebbles or sharp objects before putting them on
Wear seamless socks; change them daily
Keep feet clean and dry, especially between toes
Trim toenails straight across; do not cut into the corners
Apply lotion to tops and bottoms (not between toes)

Call your doctor today if you notice:

A cut, blister, or sore that has not started healing in 2 to 3 days
Redness, warmth, swelling, or drainage from any wound
A new black, blue, or dark red area on your foot or toe
Sudden pain, numbness, or tingling
An ingrown toenail with pain or pus

Every year, make sure to get:

A complete foot exam from your doctor or podiatrist
A circulation check (pedal pulses, sensation)
An A1C check and good blood sugar control
Diabetes-friendly footwear (Medicare often covers one pair per year)