Diabetic Foot Care
Diabetes can have a profound impact on the health of your feet. High blood sugar levels can lead to nerve damage (neuropathy), poor circulation, and a higher risk of infections—all of which make the feet especially vulnerable. At Ankle & Foot Specialists of Puget Sound, we provide comprehensive diabetic foot care to help you prevent complications, protect your mobility, and maintain long-term foot health.
Why Diabetic Foot Care Is Important
People with diabetes face a significantly higher risk of developing foot problems because of two major complications:
1. Nerve Damage (Neuropathy)
Neuropathy reduces sensation in the feet, making it difficult to feel pain, pressure, heat, or injury. A small cut or blister can go unnoticed and quickly worsen.
2. Poor Circulation
Reduced blood flow slows healing and increases the chance of infection. Even minor wounds can become serious if not treated promptly.
Together, these issues can allow small injuries to progress into ulcers, severe infections, and in advanced cases, lead to amputation. Regular foot care and early intervention are essential to preventing these outcomes.
Daily Preventive Foot Care
Proactive foot care is one of the most effective ways to avoid diabetic complications. We encourage all patients with diabetes to inspect their feet daily and look for any signs of concern. A proper foot-check routine should include:
Checking for cuts, blisters, redness, bruising, or puncture wounds
Inspecting between the toes and the bottoms of the feet
Washing feet thoroughly with warm water and mild soap
Applying moisturizer to prevent dry, cracked skin
Trimming toenails carefully and straight across
Smoothing corns and calluses gently (or allowing a specialist to do so)
If you notice a wound that isn’t healing, increased swelling, a change in skin color, or new pain—even mild—it’s important to seek professional care right away.
Essential Foot Care Tips for Diabetes
Choose Proper Footwear
Wearing well-fitting shoes is crucial. Ill-fitting shoes can cause rubbing, pressure points, and sores that may not heal properly. The best choices include:
Comfortable athletic or walking shoes
Shoes made of breathable materials
Footwear with a wide toe box
Medical or diabetic shoes, if recommended
Avoid plastic, vinyl, narrow, or high-heeled shoes, which can increase friction and restrict circulation.
Wear the Right Socks
Socks play an important role in foot protection. Look for:
Clean, moisture-wicking, cushioned socks
Seamless or diabetic-friendly sock designs
Socks worn at all times to prevent skin irritation or injury
People with diabetes should never walk barefoot, indoors or outdoors, due to the high risk of cuts and infections.
Potential Complications Without Proper Care
Without proper management, diabetic foot problems can progress rapidly. Untreated wounds may lead to:
Deep infections
Foot ulcers
Cellulitis
Bone infections (osteomyelitis)
Gangrene
Amputation in severe cases
Early detection saves limbs—and lives. Regular foot exams and consistent diabetes management are key to preventing these complications.
Professional Diabetic Foot Care at Our Practice
At Ankle & Foot Specialists of Puget Sound, we provide:
Comprehensive diabetic foot exams
Treatment for neuropathy and circulation issues
Wound care and ulcer management
Preventive education and lifestyle guidance
Custom orthotics for improved support
Early detection of complications
Our goal is to help you maintain healthy feet and prevent problems before they become serious.
Schedule Your Diabetic Foot Evaluation Today
Diabetes requires ongoing care—and your feet deserve special attention. If you’re experiencing numbness, sores, changes in skin color, or any other symptoms, the sooner you seek treatment, the better your outcome will be.
Contact our office today to schedule your diabetic foot exam and take the next step toward protecting your long-term health.