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Foot Care for Diabetics

Foot problems are a major complication of diabetes because high blood sugar levels damage blood vessels and nerves, causing poor circulation and loss of feeling in the feet.

Patients are often said to have “diabetic” sores/ulcers but the immediate cause of the skin breakdown in the foot is the loss of feeling caused by the peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage). With the loss of sensation/feeling, the patient is unable to protect him/herself from injury. Sores, infection and injuries can be present without pain, and, therefore, may not be noticed. When the blood supply to the feet is inadequate, foot injuries do not heal well and sores/ulcers and infections often develop. This poses a potentially life threatening situation.

Good control of blood glucose is the most important measure the diabetic can take against many complications of diabetes including diabetic foot problems.

Regular checking and preventive care of the feet are the patient’s best protection against developing diabetes related foot problems.

Preventive care includes keeping the feet clean, using mild soap and warm water and gently patting your feet dry especially between the toes. Put a moisturizing lotion on your feet daily except between the toes because diabetics tend to have very dry skin. Check your feet daily including in between your toes for cuts, blisters, sores, swelling, and cracks in skin or dry skin. If you notice a problem, call your physician and let him/her know.

Avoid trauma to your feet by wearing shoes and clean socks at all times when out of bed. Also, make sure your shoes fit correctly and protect your feet. Do not wear flip flops, pointed shoes, or shoes make from plastic. It is important to check the inside of your shoes for foreign objects and/or spiders, ants’ etc. Check the temperature of your bath water before getting into the water because diabetes may keep your feet from being able to feel hot or cold. Do not use a heating pad, or hot water bottle on your feet for the same reason. You should not soak your feet for longer than you would be in the bathtub because your skin can be damaged.

It is very important for you to remember not to attempt to care for your calluses with razor blades, scissors, knifes, etc. Toenails should be cut straight across and the edges of the nail smoothed with an emery board. However, diabetics are encouraged to have their toenails and calluses cared for by a healthcare professional to decrease the chance of infection and/or sores on your feet. Talk with your physician about a referral to the HSCMC Wound and Hyperbaric Medicine Center for assistance in caring for your toenails and calluses.

I hope this information is helpful to you in caring for your feet. If you have questions, please call us at the Wound and Hyperbaric Medicine Center at HSC Medical Center at 501-332-7000.

Virginia Wood, RN, is the Wound Care Manager for the Wound and Hyperbaric Medicine Center at HSCMC.