Care for Your Feet with Diabetes

Even minor cuts or an ingrown toenail can lead to major medical concerns for people with diabetes.

If you or someone you love has diabetes, keeping an eye on the feet is extremely important. Even if you see a small wound that you thinkcan heal on its own, get it checked out anyway.

“It’s better to be proactive than reactive with diabetic wounds,” said Joseph Skurka, DPM, podiatrist with CHI Saint Joseph Medical Group. “Patients who wait to get care may end up on IV antibiotics or have to go to the operating room.”

How Diabetes Affects Feet

Diabetes can decrease blood flow to the feet. It can also damage nerves and reduce feeling in the feet, which can lead to wounds you don’t notice you have. Poor blood sugar control makes healing difficult and increases the risk of:

• Amputations
• Hospitalizations
• Reduced mobility

When You See Something, Say Something

A daily foot check is the best method to prevent and detect wounds related to diabetes. Inspect the tops, sides and soles of your feet for skin changes.

If it’s challenging to see your feet:

• Ask for help. 
• Use a mirror or your phone’s camera to see more clearly.

Immediately tell your doctor if you notice a change, no matter how small you think it is.

New Treatments and Time-Tested Advice

New medications, imaging technology and surgical techniques are expanding treatment options. Still, treating diabetes-related wounds is challenging, and timing is crucial.

“If you let a tiny wound go for a week and allow it to fester, you could lose half your foot or your leg,” Dr. Skurka said. “But if you take care of problems within a day, you’ll take some oral antibiotics and two weeks later you’re good to go.”

Staying healthy starts with a strong relationship with your doctor. Primary care providers are here to listen, to lean on and to provide the expert care to keep you and your family well. Need a provider? Find a provider online or schedule an appointment.