Diabetic Foot Care Tips | Foot & Ankle Centers DFW

If you have diabetes, taking care of your feet is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your overall health. Diabetes can affect blood circulation and nerve function, making your feet more vulnerable to injuries, infections, and slow-healing wounds. Fortunately, with the right habits and regular professional care, many foot problems can be prevented.

Protecting Your Feet: What Every Diabetic Should Know

Before diving into daily care routines, it’s important to understand why diabetes makes foot care so critical. High blood sugar levels over time can affect both circulation and nerve function. Reduced blood flow can slow healing, while nerve damage can decrease your ability to feel pain or notice injuries.

This combination makes even small cuts, blisters, or irritation potentially serious. That’s why proactive foot care—along with professional guidance from experts like Dr. Tavakoli, Dr. Knapp, and Dr. Treleven at Foot & Ankle Centers in Frisco, Little Elm, and McKinney—is essential. Taking preventive measures early can protect your feet from complications and keep you active and healthy.

Daily Inspections

One of the simplest but most effective steps you can take is to inspect your feet daily. Look for any signs of:

• Cuts or scrapes
• Blisters or calluses
• Redness, swelling, or signs of infection
• Changes in skin color or temperature

Even minor issues can quickly become serious for someone with diabetes due to slower healing and reduced sensation. Early detection is key: a small blister or cut treated promptly can prevent more severe complications, including infections that might require surgical intervention.

Our expert podiatrists at Foot & Ankle Centers can evaluate any concerning findings during regular visits. They provide professional assessments, recommend preventive care, and offer treatment options for diabetic foot care, helping you catch problems before they become serious.

Keep Feet Clean and Dry

Maintaining proper hygiene is another cornerstone of diabetic foot care. Wash your feet daily with mild soap and warm water, making sure to dry thoroughly, especially between the toes. Moisture trapped in these areas can create an environment for fungal infections, which are more common in people with diabetes.

Using a soft towel and gentle drying methods, coupled with moisture-wicking socks, can significantly reduce the risk of fungal or bacterial infections. Avoid harsh chemicals or extremely hot water, as sensitive diabetic skin can be easily damaged.

Proper Footwear

Choosing the right shoes is one of the most impactful ways to protect your feet. Supportive footwear helps reduce pressure points, prevent sores, and protect against injuries. Avoid shoes that are too tight, too loose, or overly soft, as they can cause friction and increase the risk of blisters or ulcers.

• Look for shoes specifically designed for diabetic feet
• Consider custom orthotics for additional support and cushioning
• Ensure proper fit to maintain good alignment and reduce risk of complications

Pair supportive shoes with orthotics to prevent pressure-related injuries and maintain foot health over time.

Don’t Ignore Pain or Numbness

Diabetes can lead to peripheral neuropathy, a condition that causes tingling, numbness, or burning sensations in the feet. Because nerve damage can reduce your ability to feel pain, you might not notice injuries or pressure points until they become severe.

Any tingling, burning, or loss of sensation should be evaluated promptly. Ignoring these warning signs can lead to ulcers, infections, or other serious complications. Regular monitoring and professional care are critical for preventing long-term damage.

Regular Podiatry Check-Ups

Even if your feet seem healthy, scheduling regular check-ups with a podiatrist is essential for diabetes management. At Foot & Ankle Centers, Dr. Knapp and Dr. Treleven perform thorough exams, identify early signs of issues like neuropathy or poor circulation, and provide personalized treatment plans.

During these visits, your podiatrist may recommend preventive measures, skin and nail care, and guidance on daily foot care routines to reduce the risk of serious complications.

Take Action Today

Healthy feet are a critical part of managing diabetes. By adopting daily inspections, proper hygiene, supportive footwear, and regular podiatry visits, you can prevent many common diabetic foot issues and maintain your mobility.

At Foot & Ankle Centers in Frisco, Little Elm, and McKinney, Dr. Tavakoli, Dr. Knapp, and Dr. Treleven are dedicated to helping patients keep their feet healthy, comfortable, and pain-free. Don’t wait for problems to appear—schedule your foot health check today.