Foot Care for Diabetic Patients: Essential Tips and Practices

Diabetes impacts nearly every part of the body. From blurred vision to insatiable hunger and thirst, diabetes patients confront a range of challenges daily. 

Few, if any, of these symptoms, however, are as noticeable and debilitating as the numbness, pain, and tingling in the feet many diabetes patients face. Without proper foot care, those with diabetes may experience complications related to untreated infections and ulcers. 

Fortunately, the prognosis for those who are vigilant about caring for their feet is quite good. If you or a loved one has diabetes, here are a few best practices.

Monitor and Wash Your Feet Daily

No one enjoys experiencing pain. But, as unwelcome as pain may be, it serves as an early warning sign that something is wrong with our bodies.

This is especially true among diabetes patients. The disease causes a vicious combination of numbness and a lack of blood flow to the feet. Foot numbness makes it difficult for patients to detect cuts and sores on their feet, while the lack of blood circulation increases the likelihood of patients developing ulcers. Poor blood flow in the feet also slows the body’s response to infection. 

To prevent infection, people with diabetes must diligently inspect and clean their feet daily. At the beginning and end of every day, diabetes patients should check their feet for cuts, swelling, redness, and other unusual signs. To ensure nothing is missed, they should use either a mirror or the help of someone else. 

After checking their feet, diabetics should wash their feet with warm water. They should then thoroughly dry their feet and apply lotion to the top and bottom of their feet while avoiding the area in between each of their toes, as it can lead to infection.

Treat Hard Skin Build Ups

Walking and running put significant pressure and friction on the feet. The body naturally responds by thickening the skin in the high-contact areas of the feet.

For most people, these masses of skin—also known as corns and calluses—may cause some discomfort, but are usually harmless. Among diabetes patients, however, there is a major risk of corns and calluses becoming infected. 

To lessen this risk, diabetics should periodically smooth any calluses and corns on their feet. Emery boards and pumice stones are the safest and most effective podiatry tools for addressing hardened skin masses. 

Immediately after showering, when the skin is soft, diabetics should gently smooth any corns and calluses on their feet using either one of these tools. Those who choose to use an emery board to smooth hardened skin should only move it in one direction.

Regularly Move Your Feet to Promote Blood Flow

Poor blood circulation in the feet is one of the primary causes of diabetes-related foot complications. Luckily, getting more blood flow in your feet is often as simple as wiggling your toes. 

While minimizing stress on the feet by limiting their movement may be tempting, this is counterproductive. Whenever we move a part of our body, the body pumps more blood into that area. That’s why it’s crucial to periodically move your feet and ankles to get the blood flowing through them.

A few easy—and safe—ways to ensure blood circulates throughout the feet include:

• Putting your feet up on a pillow or table while sitting

• Wiggling your toes

• Moving your ankles

• Avoiding crossing your legs 

Beyond implementing these small measures, it’s also critical to exercise regularly. Lower body exercises, such as calf raises, squats, and lunges, are effective ways to improve blood circulation in your feet.

Carefully Trim Your Toenails

The toenails are one of the most infection-prone areas of the body. They are typically confined to a warm and damp environment inside our socks and shoes, and are difficult to clean. 

Because toenails provide a major entry point for bacteria, fungi, and viruses, diabetics must devote as much attention to their toenails as they do to other parts of their feet. Much of this attention should go toward carefully and routinely trimming their toenails. 

Those with diabetes should check to see if their toenails need to be trimmed weekly. After showering, they should trim the toenail straight across. The corners of the toenail should be left somewhat longer to avoid having sharp edges cut into the skin. 

Once the toenails are trimmed, diabetics should use a nail file to smooth their nails, especially the corners. Trimmed toenails are easier to clean and less susceptible to infection.

Diligence Is Key

While researchers have yet to discover a cure for diabetes, we know how to counteract its effects. With proper foot care and exercise, patients can live full and active lives.