Diabetes Foot Care: A Complete Guide for Keeping Your Feet Healthy

Taking care of your feet is an important part of managing diabetes. Over time, diabetes can reduce blood flow and damage nerves in your feet, making it harder to feel injuries and slower for wounds to heal. The good news is that daily foot care can prevent most serious foot problems.

This guide explains why foot care matters, what to do every day, and when to seek medical help.

Why Foot Care Is So Important For People With Diabetes

Diabetes can affect your feet in several ways:

• Reduced blood flow can slow healing
• Nerve damage may make cuts or sores hard to feel
• Dry skin can crack and allow infection
• Minor injuries can become serious if untreated

Without proper care, foot problems can lead to infections, ulcers, or even amputation. Daily attention makes a big difference.

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Check Your Feet Every Day

Look at your feet once a day, preferably at the same time each day.

Check for:

• Cuts, cracks, or sores
• Blisters or calluses
• Redness, swelling, or warmth
• Changes in skin color
• Ingrown toenails or nail changes

Tips:

• Use a mirror to see the bottoms of your feet
• Ask a family member or caregiver for help if needed
• Contact your healthcare provider right away if you notice changes

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Wash and Dry Your Feet Daily

• Wash feet daily with warm (not hot) water
• Use mild soap
• Do not soak your feet
• Dry thoroughly, especially between the toes

Check water temperature with your hand, not your feet, since nerve damage can make it hard to feel heat.

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Keep Skin Soft — But Avoid Moisture Between Toes

• Apply a thin layer of lotion to tops and bottoms of feet
• Do not apply lotion between toes
• Extra moisture between toes can cause fungal infections

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Trim Toenails Safely

• Trim toenails straight across
• File edges gently
• Do not cut into corners

If you:

• Have thick or hard nails
• Cannot see or reach your feet
• Have vision or hand strength issues

👉 Ask your healthcare provider or podiatrist to trim your nails

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Protect Your Feet at All Times

• Never walk barefoot, even indoors
• Wear shoes that fit well and protect your feet
• Wear clean, dry socks every day
• Avoid tight socks or socks with seams that rub

Before putting on shoes:

• Check inside for pebbles, seams, or objects
• Make sure the lining is smooth

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Protect Feet From Heat and Cold

• Wear shoes at the beach or on hot pavement
• Do not use heating pads, hot water bottles, or electric blankets on feet
• In cold weather, wear warm socks and shoes

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Support Healthy Blood Flow

• Wiggle toes and move ankles several times a day
• Elevate feet when sitting
• Avoid crossing legs for long periods
• Do not smoke — smoking reduces blood flow

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Keep Blood Sugar in Target Range

Healthy blood sugar levels help:

• Prevent nerve damage
• Improve circulation
• Reduce infection risk
• Promote healing

Work with your healthcare team to manage:

• Blood sugar
• Blood pressure
• Cholesterol

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Know When to See a Doctor or Podiatrist

Call your healthcare provider if you notice:

• A cut or sore that does not heal
• Signs of infection (redness, warmth, swelling, drainage)
• Increased pain or numbness
• Changes in skin color or temperature
• Always ask your healthcare provider for specific advice on when to call to report symptoms, and when to seek urgent/emergency care.  

Podiatrist Care

A podiatrist is a doctor who specializes in foot care.

• Most people with diabetes should have a foot exam with a podiatrist at least once a year
• More frequent visits may be needed if you have foot problems
• Ask about safe nail care, callus treatment, or special footwear

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Simple Daily Foot Care Checklist

✔ Check feet
✔ Wash and dry carefully
✔ Moisturize (not between toes)
✔ Wear clean socks and supportive shoes
✔ Check inside shoes
✔ Monitor blood sugar

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Medical Disclaimer

This educational material is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician, podiatrist, or qualified healthcare provider with questions about your health, foot care, or diabetes management. Do not delay or disregard professional medical advice based on this information. Do not attempt to treat foot wounds, infections, corns, or calluses on your own without medical advice.

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Sources:

• https://clackamasvim.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/sci-advisor_2018_taking_care_of_your_feet-newa_01.pdf
• https://static.spacecrafted.com/c0f14b1d18324a9abc5f6a2ddfad8279/r/bee7ecf0c9d54962be7dbd2cf536031f/1/Healthy%20Feet.pdf