Inspect Your Feet Daily

Because diabetics have a diminished capacity to feel pain, especially in the lower extremities, it’s important to check your feet at least once a day for blisters, cuts, cracks, sores, unusual redness, tenderness or swelling. If you have difficulty examining your feet, use a hand mirror to ensure that you can see from all angles. You can also place the mirror on the floor or ask a loved one or caregiver to help you with your daily exam.

Wash Your Feet Daily

Keeping your feet clean and well-maintained is an important part of your foot care regimen. You should wash your feet daily in lukewarm water and dry them gently, especially between the toes (to reduce your risk of developing a fungal infection, like athlete’s foot). Sprinkle talcum powder or cornstarch between toes to keep that skin dry. You may want to use a pumice stone to exfoliate the skin where calluses form and use a cream or moisturizing lotion on the tops and bottoms of your feet to keep skin soft and avoid cracks.

Make Responsible Footwear Choices

To minimize the risk of injury to your feet, as a diabetic, you should avoid going barefoot, even around the house. Something as minor as stubbing your toe or stepping on a hard object on the floor can lead to an ulcer. Walking barefoot on hot pavement, especially for diabetics with neuropathy that diminishes sensation in the feet, can lead to burns that may go unnoticed until infection sets in. Even while at the beach, stepping on a seashell, glass or other ocean debris can puncture the skin and lead to serious, limb-threatening infections.

You should instead opt for comfortable shoes that provide the proper support and cushioning for the heel, arch and ball of the feet. While high heels or narrow, tight-fitting shoes may be appealing, they put you at a greater risk for a foot injury and should be avoided. When buying socks, choose fabrics that pull sweat away from the skin, including cotton and some acrylic fibers, but not nylon. You should avoid tight socks or socks with elastic bands that may restrict blood flow to the feet.