5 Essential Components of an Effective Diabetic Foot Care Routine

If you’re diagnosed with diabetes or suspect you have it, you know you may need to make some lifestyle changes. Those include watching your blood sugar levels, eating healthily, and exercising. But did you know you need to take special care of your feet? 

Board-certified podiatrist Dr. Bruni Leka with Foot and Ankle Excellence in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, treats many patients with diabetes and can help you establish a foot care routine that keeps you safe. 

Why healthy feet are important 

Diabetes places you at higher risk of foot problems than others who don’t have the condition. You’re prone to foot issues ranging from dry, cracked skin to serious infections. 

You may also develop diabetic neuropathy, meaning you lose feeling in parts of your feet. When that happens, you may not realize you have a cut or sore until it’s infected. 

An effective diabetic foot care routine includes:

1. Inspecting your feet every day 

It’s essential to examine your feet as part of your daily routine. Call us if you see sores, cuts, blisters, redness, calluses, or unusual markings.

If it’s difficult to see the bottom of your feet, use a mirror or get help from a significant other. Because you might have trouble feeling sensations in parts of your feet due to diabetic neuropathy, visual inspection is necessary to detect problems early and get prompt treatment. 

2. Moisturizing and cleaning your feet daily

With diabetes, you’re at greater risk of a cut or sore becoming a hard-to-heal foot ulcer. Clean your feet every day with mild soap and warm — not hot — water. Dry them thoroughly; excess moisture can get trapped between your toes, leading to fungal infections. 

Afterward, apply a moisturizer but not between your toes. 

3. Wearing appropriate shoes and socks

Wear shoes with a wide toe box so your toes aren’t crowded. Avoid shoes that cause friction against your feet.

Before putting on a shoe, inspect the inside for foreign objects or rough areas that could cause chafing or blisters. Wear socks that wick away moisture to help prevent foot infections. Avoid socks that are too tight. 

4. Not going barefoot

Don’t go barefoot, even in the house. It’s too easy to step on something that fell on the floor and cut your foot. With diabetes, even small injuries can escalate into significant complications due to slower healing time. 

Have house slippers available so you can easily transition to them when you come home. 

5. Getting regular checkups

We’re your medical partner in foot care, so don’t skip your regular checkups. Dr. Leka can identify any minor problems and treat them before they become major issues. We can help you with any concerns or questions about foot care.

Diabetes requires a proactive health approach from you and our team. We help you develop a foot care routine that fits your lifestyle. Follow this routine to prevent foot complications and ensure your feet stay healthy — vital to living well with diabetes. 

To learn more about diabetic foot care at Foot and Ankle Excellence, call our office or request your appointment online today.