7 Essential Components of an Effective Diabetic Foot Care Routine

More than 10% of the United States population has diabetes. Diabetes is characterized by the inability to use the hormone insulin or the inability of your pancreas to produce enough of it. 

Insulin moves dietary sugar in your bloodstream into your cells for energy. If you’re insulin resistant or don’t have enough insulin, the blood sugar stays in circulation and wreaks havoc on your blood vessels.

Type 2 diabetes is the most common type and has a strong association with lifestyle choices, such as a sugar-rich diet and lack of exercise. 

Type 1 is rarer and only affects 5-10% of women, men, or kids with diabetes. Pregnant people may develop a short-term form of diabetes called gestational diabetes.

No matter the type of diabetes you have, you need to pay special attention to your feet. 

One of the most common complications of diabetes is neuropathy impacting the feet. The high amounts of glucose in your bloodstream impede healthy blood flow to your lower limbs. It can also damage the nerves in your feet, which means you may not feel an injury. Finally, poor circulation leads to decelerated healing.

Expert podiatrists Trent Brookshier, DPM, and Ricardo Navarette, DPM, recommend spending extra time taking care of your feet if you have diabetes. At North Park Podiatry, San Diego, California, we provide diabetic foot care. 

As part of National Diabetes Month, we urge you to care for your feet at home, too. Here are seven essential components to an effective diabetic foot care routine.

1. Wiggle your toes frequently

The first step to diabetic foot self-care is also the easiest and most fun. It’s simply to remember to wiggle your toes throughout the day, whether you’re sitting or standing.

Wiggling your toes increases blood flow to your feet, which helps keep them healthy. As your toe muscles strengthen, it may also help with your balance. 

2. Wash your feet and toes daily

Don’t neglect your feet when it’s time to wash up. Even if you skip a bath for a day, don’t skip washing your feet. Washing your feet also provides a chance to inspect them. It removes dirt and debris that might irritate your skin. Use soap, and clean the entire foot from top to bottom and in between your toes. Use a brush to clean your toenails.

3. Dry and moisturize your feet and toes thoroughly

Damp feet are a haven for pathogens, including the virus that causes athlete’s foot. After you wash your feet, dry them well. Get in between the toe webs to eliminate moisture.

Then, protect your skin with a thick moisturizer and rub it in thoroughly. The healthier your skin, the more resistant it will be to friction, dirt, and other irritants that could cause a wound.

4. Inspect your feet carefully

Depending on your flexibility, you may need help — or at least a mirror —to inspect your feet carefully. Look for any recurring wounds or blisters. 

Look for objects that have entered your skin, including splinters. Keep in mind, if you have diabetic neuropathy, you may not even feel pain if you step on a nail!

Let us know if you have suspicious wounds or blisters. We help you heal diabetic wounds to keep your feet safe and avoid amputation or systemic infection.

5. Keep your toenails short and straight

Ingrown toenails can cause a lot of trouble if you have diabetes. Keep your toenails short so you don’t accidentally cut or scratch your feet with them. Also, cut the nail straight across so it won’t curve into the nail bed and become ingrown.

6. Change your socks

Wearing socks with shoes or sandals reduces friction and protects feet from calluses and corns. Wear a clean pair of socks every day and switch to a new pair if your feet get soaked or sweaty. 

7. Wear supportive shoes 

Finding the right pair of shoes for diabetic feet can be challenging. Aim for a roomy toe box and a flat heel. We may recommend customized orthotics to keep your feet in healthy alignment.

Most importantly, diabetic foot care exams should be scheduled regularly. To schedule your next exam or if your feet hurt, call us today or use our easy online appointment form.