Diabetes and Your Feet: A Daily Care Checklist
If you have diabetes, taking care of your feet should be part of your everyday routine. Changes in circulation, nerve sensation and the skin can increase the risk of foot problems, sometimes without obvious warning signs.
The good news? A few simple habits can make diabetic foot care easier to manage and help you spot potential problems early.
Your daily diabetic foot care checklist
☐ Check your feet every day
Look at the tops, bottoms and sides of your feet, as well as between your toes. Watch for cuts, blisters, redness, swelling, bruising, cracks or changes in the skin.
☐ Wash and dry your feet carefully
Use warm (not hot) water and a gentle cleanser. Dry thoroughly, especially between the toes, to help prevent moisture-related skin problems.
☐ Moisturize dry skin
If your skin is dry or cracked, apply a moisturizer to the tops and bottoms of your feet. Avoid putting moisturizer between the toes.
☐ Check your toenails
Look for changes in colour, thickness or shape. Toenails that are difficult to trim safely may need professional attention.
☐ Choose your socks and footwear carefully
Wear clean, comfortable socks and shoes that fit properly. Check inside your shoes before putting them on to make sure there are no objects, rough areas or other irritants.
☐ Avoid walking barefoot
Even at home, footwear can help protect your feet from injuries that may be difficult to notice if sensation is reduced.
Don’t ignore changes
One of the most important parts of diabetic foot care is knowing when something needs professional attention. A small cut, blister or sore can become more serious if it is not healing properly.
Contact your chiropodist if you notice a wound that is not healing, increasing redness or swelling, drainage, significant changes in skin colour or temperature, or other changes that concern you.
Regular foot assessments can help identify potential problems before they become more serious.
Make foot care part of your routine
You don’t need a complicated routine to look after your feet. Taking a few minutes each day to check your feet, care for your skin and make sure your footwear is appropriate can become a simple part of managing diabetes.
At Werkman, Boven & Associates, our team provides professional diabetic foot care and can help you understand how to care for your feet safely at home.
Your feet deserve daily attention, especially when you have diabetes.
