The Ultimate Guide to Daily Diabetic Foot Care: Tips for Healthy Feet

Living with diabetes means caring for more than just blood sugar levels. One of the biggest risks is to the feet. Globally, about 18.6 million people develop diabetic foot ulcers each year, and these ulcers are linked to 80% of lower-limb amputations in people with diabetes. High blood sugar can damage nerves and blood vessels, causing poor circulation, slow healing, and infections. This makes even a small cut or blister dangerous.

The good news is that with simple diabetic foot care steps, you can prevent most of these problems. This guide will show you how to protect your feet, spot early warning signs, and find support for both you and your family.

30 Seconds Summary

• Diabetes increases the risk of foot problems because of nerve damage, poor circulation, and slower healing.
• Checking your feet daily, wearing proper shoes & socks, and keeping them clean and moisturized can prevent serious issues.
• Early treatment of foot pain or wounds can stop infections and ulcers from getting worse.
• Support from doctors, podiatrists, and family caregivers is necessary for long-term foot health.

Why Footcare Matters in Diabetes?

Many people ask: Why do diabetics have foot problem so often? The reason is that diabetes affects more than just blood sugar levels; it also harms the nerves and blood flow in your feet. Over time, this leads to several serious issues:

• Nerve damage (neuropathy): You may lose feeling in your feet and not notice cuts, blisters, or sore spots. Without pain signals, small injuries can go untreated.
• Poor circulation: Blood flow slows down, so even tiny wounds heal more slowly and are more likely to get infected.
• Skin changes: Feet can become dry and cracked, which makes it easier for germs to enter.
• Foot shape changes: Extra pressure on certain areas can lead to ulcers.

In the U.K., diabetes is a leading cause of foot problems, and diabetic foot ulcers are a major contributor to lower-limb amputations. According to Diabetes UK: “You’re up to 20 times more likely to have an amputation if you have diabetes, so if you have a foot problem it’s important you seek help from your health care team straight away.”

The good news is that most diabetic foot problems can be prevented. By checking your feet daily, wearing proper shoes, and keeping your skin healthy, you can lower risks and stay active, comfortable, and independent.

Craving something sweet but safe? Try True Homecare’s list of snacks for diabetics.

Diabetic Feet Symptoms

When you live with diabetes, your feet can give you early warning signs that something is wrong. These changes may be small at first, but they should never be ignored.

You might notice:

• Tingling, burning, or sharp pains that come and go.
• Numbness or not being able to feel hot, cold, or pressure.
• Skin that feels dry, cracked, or itchy.
• Toenails that turn thick or yellow.
• Cuts or blisters that don’t heal as they should.
• Redness, swelling, or a patch of skin that feels warmer than the rest.
• Fluid, smell, or changes in the color of your feet.

Sometimes, the shape of the foot can also change slowly, or hair may stop growing on the toes and lower legs.

These signs mean your nerves or blood flow might be affected. The earlier you notice them, the easier it is to prevent serious problems. If you see any of these changes, it is important to call your doctor quickly.

Foot Care with Diabetes: Tips for Diabetic Footcare at Home

Consistency is really important when it comes to foot care for diabetics. Take a few minutes out each day and stick to a routine; this will help avoid small problems from turning into big ones.

Here are some of the simple yet important tips for foot care at home.

Check Your Feet Every Day

Look closely at your feet for cuts, blisters, swelling, or changes in skin color. Use a mirror to see the bottoms, or ask a family member if you need help.

Eat a Healthy, Balanced Diet and Keep Active

According to Diabetes UK, eating well and staying active are both necessary to keeping your diabetes under control and lowering the risk of serious foot problems. A dietitian can help you understand what foods are best for you and how they affect your blood sugar. Being active also improves circulation and helps protect your feet.

Wear the Right Socks

If you have diabetes, you should also consider wearing socks. The socks that you choose should fit you well, should be made of synthetic material or wool to wick away moisture, and should not have tight seams. If you need more cushioning at the bottom of your feet, you should choose socks that are padded.

You should also opt for white or light coloured socks so that you can notice any bleeding or drainage.

Protect Your Feet With Proper Shoes

Do not walk barefoot, not even indoors. Your shoes should have enough space for your toes, and there should be no rough spots inside. Always check your shoes for sharp objects before putting them on. If regular shoes feel uncomfortable or cause pressure, you should ask your doctor about therapeutic shoes.

According to Diabetes UK, it is a good idea to buy shoes that fit well and give your toes space. Pick ones that are wide, have round toes, low heels, and close with laces or buckles so your feet don’t slip.

Wash and Dry Your Feet With Care

If you have diabetes, you should wash your feet daily, but you should not use hot water. After washing, feet should be dried carefully and a gentle moisturiser should be applied. However, moisturizing between the toes is not recommended as it can lead to infections.

Don’t Treat Corns or Calluses Yourself

You might find shaving or cutting thick skin tempting, but avoid using sharp tools or chemical removers. These can create wounds that may not heal properly. Instead, let a podiatrist take care of them safely.

If you need help with nail care, we can arrange a visit from a qualified podiatrist (also known as a chiropodist).

Keep Feet Dry and Fresh

If your feet sweat a lot, you can lightly dust non-medicated foot powder, which will help prevent fungal infections. Always put on clean, dry socks.

Keep Skin Moisturised

Apply moisturiser to your feet daily to keep the skin soft and healthy. Avoid putting moisturiser between your toes, as excess moisture can cause infections. Use creams designed for foot care where possible.

Keep Your Health in Check

Managing your blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure is important for healthy feet. When these are well controlled, it lowers the chance of nerve damage and poor circulation. Work with your healthcare team to monitor these regularly.

Have Regular Foot Checks

Schedule a foot check at least once a year with your healthcare provider. They can assess your risk of foot problems and give advice tailored to you. Keep your GP or podiatrist’s contact details handy so you can report any concerns without delay.

Looking for healthy meal options too? See True Homecare’s meal plan for type 2 diabetes.

Foot Pain and Treatment Options

Many people with diabetes deal with foot pain. It may come from nerve damage, poor circulation, or infections. Getting the right foot pain diabetes treatment early can stop small issues from turning into serious ones.

At Home

• Keep blood sugar under control to protect nerves and speed healing.
• Wear shoes that fit well and reduce pressure.
• Wash and moisturize feet daily, but keep the spaces between toes dry.
• Do light activity, like walking, to improve blood flow.
• Check feet every day for swelling, cuts, or sores.

Medical Care

If pain or wounds don’t improve, doctors may suggest:

• Medicine for nerve pain.
• Special creams for burning or tingling.
• Wound care and dressings for ulcers.
• Custom shoes or casts to protect the foot.
• Surgery is performed in severe cases of infection or poor blood flow.

See your doctor right away if you notice new pain, numbness, or wounds that won’t heal. True Homecare can provide support with daily care, wound checks, and hospital visits while giving family members some respite.

For full-time needs, explore True Homecare’s live-in home care service.

How to Choose the Right Shoes and Socks?

Choosing the right shoes and socks is really important when it comes to diabetes footcare. Here are a few things you should consider while buying shoes and socks:

• Shoes should be soft inside, with no rough seams.
• Closed-toe shoes protect against cuts.
• Avoid high heels, flip-flops, or tight shoes.
• Socks should be seamless, moisture-wicking, and not tight.
• Diabetic socks can improve blood flow and comfort.

FAQs

Q: If I have diabetes, how often should I check my feet?

A: You should check your feet every day. You can either use a mirror or ask a family member for help if needed.

Q: Can I wear sandals or flip-flops if I have diabetes?

A: Sandals and flip-flops do not provide enough protection to your feet; hence,it is best to avoid them. Rather wear closed shoes that can protect your feet better.

Q. Can exercise help with diabetic foot problems?

A: Yes, walking can help with diabetic foot problems, as it improves circulation and speeds up healing. However, you should avoid walking and other exercises if you have open sores on your feet.

Q: How to Care for Diabetic Feet Every Day?

A: Here is how you can care for your diabetic feet:

• Wash gently: Use warm (not hot) water and mild soap.
• Dry carefully: Pay close attention to the spaces between the toes.
• Moisturize: Apply lotion to keep skin soft, but not between toes.
• Check your feet: Look for cuts, blisters, redness, or swelling. Use a mirror if needed.
• Wear protection: Always wear socks and shoes, even indoors.

Get Emotional Support for Families

Diabetic foot care is not just physical; it can be stressful for families.

At True Homecare, our caregivers give emotional support to both the client and their family. Families often need respite, and we step in with respite care, companionship, and even support during palliative care.

We also offer waking nights, sleeping nights, and outings like walks in the park or movie trips, so both clients and families feel supported.

Contact us today at 01614281989 to learn more about how True Homecarecan help.