Checking your feet daily might be the last thing on your list. But taking care of the health of your feet is more important than you think; even a small, seemingly harmless cut can lead to more serious concerns. If you suffer from diabetes, you likely have to manage your health wisely.

With nerve damage causing your feet to be numb and reduced blood flow to your feet, sores, blisters, and wounds are more likely to develop into long-term issues. Here are some helpful tips for protecting your feet as a person with diabetes:

Inspect and Wash Your Feet Daily

Watch for any redness, swelling, cuts, blisters, corns, or nail or foot changes. Using a mirror to help inspect underneath your foot might be helpful, or you can ask a family member to assist. If you find anything concerning, make sure to call your podiatrist. Never try to remove corns or calluses yourself and avoid over-the-counter products. Use lukewarm, never hot water and mild soap to wash your feet gently daily. Make sure your feet are completely dry after your wash. Optionally, you can follow up with lotion – avoid applying in between your toes, which could lead to a possible infection.

Wear Proper Socks and Footwear

Having the proper footwear is essential when it comes to the care of your feet. For the perfect fit, try on new shoes at the end of the day, when your feet are usually the largest, before your purchase. Break in new shoes slowly by wearing them for an hour or two at a time until they feel comfortable. Ensure your socks are always clean and dry. Avoid going barefoot as much as possible. Always check your shoes before wearing them for pebbles or other objects, and wear socks with your shoes. In addition, purchasing a pair of socks specifically made for diabetic patients, with extra padding and fibers that wick away moisture, might be worth the money.

Nail Care

Take extra care in the upkeep of your nails. Be sure to trim gently and cut straight across your nail. Smooth down any sharp edges with a file. Prevent ingrown nails by making sure your nails are not too short. Additionally, you might want to consider having a professional trim your nails if you’d prefer.

Contact a podiatrist if you notice any concerns during your daily foot care.

You can count on the Foot & Ankle Specialists, PC foot doctors, to care for your feet using a full range of conservative and surgical therapies. Our expert team, including board-certified podiatrists Dr. Scott E. Hughes, Dr. Greg P. Vogt, and Dr. Christine I. Tumele, serves patients of all ages with state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment technologies, including on-site digital x-ray, and ultrasound, diabetic shoes, and digital scanning for custom orthotics. Please contact our office to schedule a consultation. We offer house calls Monday through Thursday.