Diabetic Neuropathy: Foot Care Made Simple

Diabetic neuropathy is a nerve condition that commonly affects the feet and lower legs. Years of high blood glucose can injure nerve fibers and small blood vessels, resulting in loss of sensation and slower healing. Small cuts and pressure areas often go unnoticed and may turn into more serious wounds. Good foot care is one of the most important measures to avoid ulcers, infection, and loss of function.

Our diabetes patients at Treasure Valley Foot & Ankle are screened regularly for early signs of neuropathy to help them get proactive treatment before problems arise.

What Is Diabetic Neuropathy?

Diabetic neuropathy is the name for nerve damage caused by chronically elevated blood sugar. The most common type is peripheral neuropathy, which affects the lower legs and feet.

Symptoms typically begin in the toes and progress slowly in a stocking-like distribution. You may experience numbness, tingling, or burning pain. You also may lose the ability to sense temperature changes.

Many people feel sharp or electric sensations in their feet. Loss of protective sensation is a significant risk factor for skin breakdown, since patients do not feel when they have a wound or skin infection.

Muscle balance, skin health, and foot shape can also be affected by neuropathy. This may lead to deformities, dry skin, and callus buildup. Any areas of increased pressure from these factors are more prone to develop skin breakdown.

Why Is Foot Care So Important

When nerve sensation is impaired, pain can no longer serve as an early warning sign. A blister caused by a tight shoe, a small cut on the heel, or a cracked dry area of skin can quickly worsen if left untreated and unnoticed. Healing is often impaired in diabetes, especially when circulation is reduced.

Daily care and professional foot exams are the best way to significantly reduce your risk of ulcers and infection. Treatment early on can make a huge difference. Most lower extremity amputations from diabetes occur after a patient develops a foot wound and does not receive appropriate care.

A Simple Daily Foot Care Routine

Protecting your feet does not have to be difficult, but it is important to be consistent with daily care.

Wash your feet every day with warm (not hot) water and mild soap. Do not soak your feet, as this can dry out the skin. Dry feet thoroughly, including between the toes, as moisture here can lead to fungal infection.

Inspect your feet daily, looking at the soles, heels, sides, and between the toes. Use a mirror or ask someone to help if you are unable to view the bottoms of your feet. Look for redness, blisters, cracks, swelling, or drainage.

Moisturize dry skin daily to help prevent fissures, but do not apply lotion between the toes. Trim your toenails straight across and file the edges gently. Do not cut into corners or try to treat corns and calluses on your own.

Choosing the Right Shoes and Socks

Good shoes can help prevent injury. Select comfortable shoes with a wide toe box, supportive sole, and no interior seams that can rub. There should be adequate depth in the shoe to fit your foot without feeling cramped.

Check the inside of your shoes before wearing to make sure no pebbles or rough edges are inside. Always wear clean socks that wick moisture away from the skin. Choose socks without tight elastic bands that can cause constriction. Avoid walking barefoot, even at home where it is easy to accidentally cut your foot.

Custom orthotics and therapeutic shoes can be very helpful for patients who have neuropathy, deformities, or prior ulcers. These devices can help redistribute pressure and offload high-risk areas.

Monitoring and Professional Care

Annual foot exams are a part of standard diabetes care. If you have neuropathy, circulation impairment, or history of foot wounds, more frequent exams are recommended. Patients with high-risk foot conditions often need exams every three to six months. The physical exam assesses sensation, circulation, skin integrity, and footwear.

Call the doctor if you notice a cut, blister, sore that does not heal, increased warmth, redness, or swelling. Any drainage or foul odor, or any sudden changes in the shape of your foot should be evaluated immediately.

Managing Blood Sugar and Lifestyle Factors

Foot health is an important part of overall diabetes care and control. Staying within your blood glucose target range helps slow nerve damage and improve healing ability. Regular physical activity, a healthy diet, smoking cessation, and weight loss can all improve circulation and nerve function.

Small improvements in blood sugar control can make a big difference in slowing the progression of neuropathy and reducing risk.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does diabetic neuropathy affect the feet? Diabetic neuropathy causes reduced sensation, altered muscle balance, and slow wound healing in the feet. These factors increase the risk of developing unnoticed injuries, ulcers, and infection.

What are early signs of foot problems in diabetes? Redness, swelling, blisters, or breaks in the skin are early warning signs. Numbness, burning pain, or changes in the shape of the feet are also important to evaluate right away.

How often should my feet be checked by a professional? At least once a year for all patients with diabetes. If you have neuropathy, poor circulation, or a history of foot wounds, more frequent exams may be recommended. Patients with high-risk foot conditions often need exams every three to six months.

Are special shoes necessary for diabetic neuropathy? Many patients with diabetic neuropathy can benefit from supportive shoes or custom orthotics, especially if you have deformities or areas of high pressure in the foot.

Where can I get diabetic foot care in Idaho? Specialized prevention and treatment services are available at Treasure Valley Foot & Ankle to help patients reduce their risk of complications and protect long-term mobility.