Foot Problems – The Diabetic Foot

Diabetes is a disease that affects every part of the body, even when diabetes is under control.

Diabetics, because of the nature of their disease, have fewer defenses against everyday wear and tear, especially where the feet are concerned. Increased blood sugar affects the feet in the following ways:

Absorption of the natural protective fatty pad on the bottom of the feet. This is due to P.V.D. and/or the natural aging process.

When the fat pad becomes thinned or completely absorbed, it cannot protect the skin properly from normal bone pressure.

This puts tremendous stress on the skin, which underlies these bones and can cause inflammation, calluses, and eventually skin ulcers, which may become infected.

These problems may become worse without the diabetic knowing it if peripheral neuropathy is present.
To sum up, the diabetic foot is “at risk,” even when the blood sugar is controlled.

The Diabetic Foot is a term used to describe a range of foot problems that can occur in people with diabetes.

Diabetes can lead to nerve damage (neuropathy) and poor blood flow to the feet, which increases the risk of developing foot complications.

Last update on 2026-04-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Some common foot problems experienced by individuals with diabetes include:

1. Neuropathy: Diabetes can cause nerve damage, leading to loss of sensation in the feet. This makes it difficult for individuals to detect injuries or infections, potentially leading to more severe complications.
2. Ulcers: Even small cuts or blisters can develop into non-healing ulcers due to reduced sensation and poor blood flow. These ulcers can become infected and may require medical intervention.
3. Infections: Diabetes weakens the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections. Foot infections, such as cellulitis or osteomyelitis (bone infection), can be serious and may require hospitalization.
4. Charcot’s foot: This condition is characterized by the weakening of the bones in the foot, leading to deformities and fractures. It is often associated with neuropathy.
5. Peripheral arterial disease (PAD): Diabetes can cause narrowing or blockage of blood vessels in the legs and feet, leading to poor circulation. PAD can cause pain, slow healing, and increase the risk of amputation.
6. Calluses and corns: High-pressure areas on the feet can develop thickened skin called calluses or corns. These should be managed carefully to prevent complications.

Individuals with diabetes need to take proactive steps to prevent foot problems.

Regular foot care, including daily inspection, proper hygiene, wearing comfortable shoes, and regular visits to a healthcare professional, can help identify and manage any potential issues early on.

If you have any concerns about your foot health as a person with diabetes, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and guidance.

Diabetic foot – Custom-made orthotics will greatly reduce the risk of foot disease. These special orthotics replace the thinning fat pad on the bottom of the feet, thus protecting the skin from excessive bone pressure.

These orthotics will also gently support the arch and all the bones and joints of the feet. These orthotics are made of durable, comfortable, space-age materials.

They are lightweight and will fit in all flat shoes. Custom-made orthotics are the diabetic’s “ounce of prevention” that may eliminate a “pound of cure” later on.

Last update on 2026-04-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Diabetic Foot – Ways to alleviate

Examine your feet daily, including the tops, bottoms, and between your toes. Look for inflamed areas, cuts, peeling and breaks in the skin, rashes, and swelling.

Press on your nails to see if they are painful or ingrown.

Touch your feet and ensure the temperature is the same in both and that they are not cooler than the rest of your body.

Test to see that you feel good in the bottom of both feet by gently moving your finger from heel to toe. If any of the above is abnormal, see a podiatrist immediately.

To alleviate symptoms and promote the healing of the diabetic foot, here are some general recommendations:

1. Proper Foot Care: Maintain good hygiene by washing your feet daily with mild soap and warm water. Make sure to dry your feet thoroughly, especially between the toes. Regularly inspect your feet for any cuts, blisters, or other abnormalities.
2. Moisturize: Apply a moisturizing cream or lotion to keep your feet hydrated. Avoid applying lotion between the toes to prevent excess moisture buildup.
3. Trim Nails Carefully: Trim your toenails straight across and avoid cutting them too short. This can help prevent ingrown toenails and potential infections.
4. Wear Proper Footwear: Choose comfortable shoes well-fitting, and provide adequate support. Avoid high heels, tight shoes, and open-toed sandals. Consider wearing diabetic socks that are designed to reduce pressure and improve circulation.
5. Check Blood Sugar Levels: Keep your blood sugar levels well-controlled as high blood sugar can impair the healing process. Follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations for managing your diabetes.
6. Regular Exercise: Engage in regular physical activity, as your healthcare provider recommends. Exercise can improve blood circulation and overall foot health.
7. Avoid Smoking: Smoking can further damage blood vessels, impairing circulation and slowing down the healing process. If you smoke, consider quitting or seeking support to help you quit.
8. Regular Medical Check-ups: Schedule regular check-ups with your healthcare provider to monitor the condition of your feet and address any concerns promptly.

It’s important to note that these suggestions are general, and individual treatment plans may vary depending on the severity and specific circumstances of the diabetic foot. Consulting with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and guidance is crucial.

Wear properly fitted shoes with uppers made of soft materials. The toe box (the area where the toes lie in the shoe) should be deep and wide to reduce pressure on the toes, and the heels should be no higher than 3/4 inches.

Seamless socks and shoes cause fewer problems than those with seams. Always wear shoes and socks; they protect the feet from injury. Do not walk barefoot!

Wash your feet daily with warm water (not hot). Dry well, especially between the toes. Cut your nails straight across; do not dig in the corners (if the skin around the nail is red, swollen, moist, or painful, you may have an infection; see a podiatrist immediately.

Massage a moisturizing cream into your feet at bedtime to prevent dry skin and cracks.

Do not use chemical corn and callus removers; they usually contain an acid, which can burn sensitive diabetic skin. Finally, see your family doctor regularly to help keep your diabetes under control.

Orthofeet Self-Forming Insoles – Designed for the diabetic who wants to prevent foot problems. In practice, these innersoles help to protect the thinning fat pad on the bottom of the foot, thus protecting painful pressure points and calluses. They also help to relieve foot fatigue.

This is a long-lasting innersole made of lightweight but durable materials that will fit in any shoe and can be moved from one pair of shoes to another.

These do not duplicate the protection custom-made orthotics provide, but they help.