If you’re living with diabetes, caring for your feet is more than just routine hygiene — it’s essential to protecting your health. Diabetes can reduce blood flow and damage the nerves in your feet, which increases your risk of infections, ulcers, and even amputation if issues go unnoticed or untreated for too long.
The good news is that proactive diabetic foot care helps prevent serious complications. At Legacy Foot & Ankle Center, we specialize in diabetic foot care and can help you keep your feet healthy. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or you’ve been managing diabetes for years, these tips can help you stay one step ahead of foot problems.
When you have diabetes, daily foot checks are one of the most important habits you can have. Diabetic neuropathy can affect sensation in your feet, so you may not feel injuries when they happen, and a visual inspection helps you identify areas of concern before they get more serious.
Look for cuts, blisters, redness, swelling, or any signs of infection on all sides of your feet and even between your toes. Use a mirror or ask for help if you can’t see the bottoms of your feet.
Wash your feet every day, using warm, but not hot, water and mild soap. Avoid soaking your feet, because this can dry out your skin.
After washing, dry your feet thoroughly and make sure you get between your toes to reduce the risk of fungal infections. Moisturize the tops and bottoms of your feet to prevent cracking, but avoid putting lotion between your toes where excess moisture can lead to bacterial growth.
Keeping your toenails trimmed helps prevent ingrown nails and infections. Cut straight across each toenail and gently smooth the edges with a nail file. If you have trouble reaching your feet or have thickened nails, it may be safer to have your toenails trimmed by a podiatrist, and we can help.
Shoes and socks help protect your feet from injuries, so it’s a good idea to never go barefoot, even when you’re at home.
Wear seamless, moisture-wicking socks; they’ll help reduce irritation and keep your feet dry. Choose comfortable, well-fitting shoes with plenty of support and cushioning, and check inside your shoes before putting them on to make sure there are no small objects or rough spots that could cause sores.
Even with diligent care at home, professional diabetic foot exams are essential. Regular foot exams assess blood flow, nerve health, and skin condition, and we can also trim your nails if needed. These check-ups help us detect small problems early on, before they become more serious.
If you already have diabetic neuropathy, we can help you manage symptoms and provide specialized care to keep your feet healthy and functional. From custom orthotics to wound care, our team offers personalized solutions to meet your needs.
Do you have diabetes? Take control of your foot health today. With the right habits and expert care, you can prevent foot complications and keep moving confidently. Contact Legacy Foot & Ankle Center to schedule a diabetic foot evaluation or learn more about our services in Bay City, Caro, Lapeer, and Rochester Hills, Michigan.
