If you have diabetes, foot care matters – even when your feet feel fine.
It’s easy to overlook foot health when there are no obvious problems, but proactive care is one of the most effective ways to prevent serious complications down the line.
Here’s the key fact we see time and again:
Around 80% of diabetes-related amputations are preceded by a foot ulcer.
That statistic isn’t there to scare you; it’s there to explain why foot care matters more than most people realise. That doesn’t mean ulcers are inevitable. It simply means that the early warning signs or underlying issues are often overlooked or go unnoticed.
Diabetes can have significant effects on nerves and circulation, particularly in the feet. High blood sugar levels over time can damage nerves, leading to a condition known as diabetic neuropathy, which reduces sensation in the feet. Additionally, diabetes can impair blood flow, slowing down the body’s natural healing processes.
The result? Issues don’t always hurt – so they’re easy to ignore until they’re harder to treat.
What diabetes does to the feet
Diabetes can have a significant impact on the health of your feet. This is because high blood sugar levels can damage nerves and reduce circulation in the feet.
In simple terms, diabetes affects feet in three main ways:
- Reduced sensation: You may not notice cuts, blisters, or pressure.
- Reduced circulation: Healing takes longer.
- Higher infection risk: Small problems can escalate quickly.
These three effects work together to create a dangerous combination for your feet. Without proper care and monitoring, diabetes can lead to serious complications such as foot ulcers, infections, and even amputations.
Just because it doesn’t hurt doesn’t mean nothing’s going on – that’s why regular checks matter.
What to do at home
In addition to regular check-ups with your doctor, there are also many things you can do at home to take care of your feet and prevent complications.
You don’t need a complicated routine:
- Check your feet daily – tops, soles, and between toes.
- Wash and dry thoroughly, especially between toes.
- Moisturise dry skin (not between toes).
- Trim nails straight across – avoid digging down the sides.
- Wear well-fitting shoes and socks.
- Avoid walking barefoot, even at home.
By following these simple steps, you can keep your feet healthy and reduce the risk of complications.
It’s simple advice – but it works!
When to get your feet checked
It’s important to regularly check your feet for any changes or issues, such as cuts, sores, swelling, or pain. If you have diabetes, it is recommended that you get your feet checked at least once a year by a healthcare professional.
Book an appointment if you notice:
- Any wound or ulcer that isn’t healing as expected
- Signs of infection, such as redness, warmth, swelling, or discharge
- Increasing numbness or tingling
- Changes in foot shape or structure
In diabetes, small foot infections can become bigger problems faster than people expect – which is why early treatment matters!
“But my feet are fine”
That’s great news if your feet feel perfectly fine – that’s our ultimate goal for you.
However, the reason we strongly recommend regular check-ups, even when everything seems okay, is that many serious diabetic foot problems don’t present with pain in their early stages. Due to nerve damage (neuropathy), you might not feel a small cut, a developing blister, or a pressure sore.
Our podiatrists, Jonathan and Marzieh, are trained to look for subtle signs that you might miss. We conduct thorough assessments of your circulation, test your sensation to detect any changes, identify high-pressure areas that could lead to ulcers, and check for subtle skin changes like dryness or calluses that could indicate underlying issues.
Think of it as preventative maintenance. By catching these small changes before they escalate, we can prevent them from turning into significant complications like infections or ulcers that are much harder to treat.
Diabetic foot care at Waverley Clinic
At Waverley Clinic, it’s simple: you come in, we check your feet properly, and we deal with any issues early, so they don’t become bigger problems.
Our approach to diabetic foot care is straightforward and proactive. When you come in for an appointment, our podiatrists conduct a comprehensive assessment of your feet. We look for any early signs of trouble, from subtle skin changes to issues with circulation or sensation.
By addressing these concerns promptly, we can prevent them from developing into more serious complications down the line, ensuring your feet remain healthy and functional.
What this means for you
Diabetic foot problems aren’t inevitable. With a proactive approach, many of the serious complications can be prevented. It’s about being vigilant and taking the right steps early on.
Caring for your feet with daily checks, proper footwear, good blood sugar control, and regular podiatry visits can make a significant difference.
If you have diabetes, don’t overthink it – book a foot check with one of our experienced podiatrists, and we’ll take it from there!
Your feet do a lot – protect them and stay one step ahead of diabetes!
Book your appointment today
Schedule your appointment online or call Waverley Clinic at 01252 716611. Our phone lines are open 24/7 for booking.
