Why Diabetics Must Take Especially Good Care of Their Feet

If you have diabetes, taking care of your feet isn’t a suggestion – it’s a crucial part of managing your health. 

In addition to having high blood sugar and an insulin-processing problem, you have a significantly higher risk of foot complications due to neuropathy and poor blood circulation. These conditions make it challenging for diabetics to heal from even minor cuts — they can lead to severe infections and, in the worst cases, amputations.

We want to help you avoid that, so Dr. Matthew Cerniglia at Ankle and Foot Institute of Texas is here to explain the importance of diabetic foot care and offer practical, everyday steps you can take right now to safeguard your foot health.

The link between diabetes and foot health

Diabetes can wreak havoc on your entire body, especially your feet. High blood sugar levels from diabetes can lead to nerve damage or neuropathy, causing a loss of feeling in your feet.

When this happens, you might not notice a blister, callus, or sore. Coupled with poor circulation, these seemingly benign issues can quickly escalate into serious complications.

How diabetes affects your feet

Advanced diabetes can directly harm your feet in several ways:

Nerve damage

Diabetic neuropathy is a type of nerve damage resulting from high blood sugar levels. It can cause numbness, pins-and-needles tingling, and pain ranging from mild to severe.

Peripheral vascular disease

Diabetes can also affect the blood vessels, leading to poor circulation, which makes it difficult for foot injuries to heal.

Increased risk of infection

High blood sugar levels can lead to a weakened immune system, making it more difficult to fight off infections.

Risks and complications

It’s not just the immediate issues unfolding in your feet — diabetic foot complications can have life-altering consequences, such as Charcot’s neuroarthropathy or Charcot foot, a condition where your foot bones weaken and fracture easily. Left untreated, these fractures can lead to significant deformities and disability.

Tips for diabetic foot care

Taking diligent care of your feet doesn’t just help you avoid discomfort; it’s a proactive step in preventing future problems. Here are the best ways to keep your feet healthy and safe.

Daily foot inspection

A daily visual check of your feet should be as routine as brushing your teeth. If you can’t see the bottoms of your feet, use a mirror or ask a family member. Look for any cuts, sores, red spots, or swelling. Early detection is your best line of defense against escalating issues.

Proper footwear choices

The right socks and shoes can make a world of difference. To minimize the risk of irritation and infection, opt for well-fitting, cushioned socks that wick away moisture and well-ventilated, supportive shoes.

Regular foot exams

In addition to self-inspections, schedule regular foot exams with Dr. Cerniglia. He can detect issues you might miss and provide expert guidance. Our team can even trim your toenails safely to reduce your chance of wounds and infection.

Preventive measures for diabetics

You can take several proactive steps to improve and maintain your foot health and significantly reduce the likelihood of developing foot issues.

Managing blood sugar levels

A diabetes-healthy lifestyle combined with medication or insulin therapy is vital for managing blood sugar levels. Consistently monitoring and maintaining these levels will positively affect your overall well-being, including your foot health.

Regular exercise

Regular physical activity, done in a foot-safe manner, can improve circulation and help control your blood sugar levels. Try low-impact exercises such as walking or swimming.

Maintaining a healthy weight

Excess weight puts extra stress and pressure on your feet, particularly if you’re not walking properly due to neuropathy. A balanced diet and regular exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight and ease the burden on your feet.

Signs that diabetes is causing foot problems

Recognizing the signs of possible foot problems can mean the difference between a minor inconvenience and a major health scare. These are the red flags you should never ignore.

Be on the lookout for the following symptoms, as they could indicate the onset of a problem:

• Numbness
• Tingling
• Pain
• Swelling
• Redness
• Increased warmth in one area

Call us right away if you notice:

• Sores that aren’t healing properly
• Ingrown toenails or fungus that you can’t manage on your own
• Severe pain and swelling
• Blisters and calluses that are becoming problematic

Immediate wound care can often prevent the need for more intrusive treatment down the line.

When you need top-notch diabetic foot care, call Ankle and Foot Institute of Texas in Fort Worth or request an appointment online.