The essentials of diabetic foot care: sensation, circulation, skin checks, footwear and early treatment of wounds.
Why diabetes changes foot-care priorities
Diabetes can affect both nerve function and circulation. Together, these changes can make injuries easier to miss and slower to heal.
Daily checks
Look at the soles, between the toes and around the nails for cuts, blisters, redness, swelling or skin breakdown. Use a mirror or ask for help if you cannot see the whole foot.
Footwear and nail care
Choose shoes that fit well and inspect the inside before putting them on. If nails are difficult to manage, or if circulation or sensation is reduced, professional foot care can reduce avoidable injury.
Act early
A new wound, spreading redness, discharge, marked swelling or systemic illness needs prompt medical attention. Early intervention is much safer than waiting for a diabetic foot problem to settle on its own.