If you’re living with diabetes, you’ve probably heard a lot about blood sugar levels, diet, and medication. But there’s one topic that doesn’t always get the attention it deserves: your feet. Specifically, how to prevent diabetic foot ulcers, open sores or wounds that can develop quickly and, if left untreated, lead to serious infections or even hospital stays.
One in five people with diabetes who ends up in the hospital is there because of a foot problem. And the scary part? Most of those problems started small. A blister. A callus that got too thick. A spot of redness that nobody noticed. At Newtown Foot and Ankle Specialists, we’ve spent years helping patients avoid that path. We’ve seen how a few simple daily habits can mean the difference between healthy feet and a serious infection that leads to the hospital.
Why Diabetes Makes Feet Vulnerable
Diabetes affects your feet in two main ways. First, over time, high blood sugar can damage your nerves. This is called neuropathy. It doesn’t hurt, but that’s exactly what makes it dangerous. When you can’t feel your feet as well, you might not notice a small pebble in your shoe, a hot spot from new shoes, or a tiny cut. Those little things can turn into big problems fast.
Second, diabetes can affect blood flow. Poor circulation means smaller cuts and sores don’t get the oxygen and nutrients they need to heal. That’s how a minor blister becomes a non-healing wound, and how a non-healing wound becomes an ulcer.
Your Daily Foot Check: Non-Negotiable
We tell every diabetic patient the same thing. Check your feet every single day. Not every few days. Not when something hurts. Every day.
Here’s what to look for:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Warmth
- Cuts, blisters, or cracks between your toes
- Thick calluses
- Any spot that looks different than it did yesterday.
If you can’t see the bottoms of your feet easily, use a mirror. Or ask a family member to help. This takes two minutes. Those two minutes can save you months of recovery.
Wash, Dry, Moisturize (But Not Between the Toes)
Wash your feet every day with warm water and mild soap. Not hot water. Hot water can burn skin that doesn’t feel pain the way it used to.
Dry your feet completely, especially between the toes. Moisture between the toes creates the perfect environment for fungal infections and skin breakdown. But don’t put lotion between the toes either. Lotion there can make things too moist. Stick to putting lotion on the tops and bottoms of your feet.
Shoes and Socks Matter More Than You Think
Never walk around barefoot. Even just to the bathroom. Your feet need protection from everything.
Wear clean, dry socks without tight elastic bands or thick seams. Seamless diabetic socks are a great choice. And check inside your shoes every time before you put them on. Feel for pebbles, rough spots, or folded liners.
Your shoes should fit well from day one. Don’t buy shoes that need “breaking in.” A break-in period means they’re rubbing somewhere, and rubbing leads to blisters.
When to Call Us
Not every red spot is an emergency. But some things should never wait. If you notice a spot on your foot that isn’t healing after a day or two, call us. If you see any drainage, warmth, or redness spreading, call us. If you have a callus that seems to be getting thicker instead of better, let us take a look.
At Newtown Foot and Ankle Specialists, we specialize in helping people with diabetes keep their feet healthy. We offer regular diabetic foot exams, expert callus and nail care, and advanced wound treatment when needed. We’re also experienced in limb salvage for more serious cases, because we know that losing a foot or leg is never the first option.
Your feet carry you through life. With diabetes, protecting them takes a little more intention. But it’s worth it. Give us a call at 215.234.3772 or request an appointment online. We’re here to help you stay on your feet.