5 Steps for Performing Your Own Diabetic Foot Check

Diabetes affects the way your body produces or uses the hormone insulin. You need insulin to move dietary blood sugar out of your blood vessels and into your cells, where they convert it to energy. Without insulin, the extra sugar stays in your blood vessels, causing damage and the buildup of dangerous plaque that can lead to atherosclerosis.

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month, making this a good time to call your attention to the fact that approximately 50% of people with diabetes have a type of nerve damage known as peripheral neuropathy. That means that you have reduced — or no — sensations in your feet.

When you can’t feel pain in your feet, you don’t notice minor problems, such as small cuts, blisters, or ingrown toenails. Without treatment, these wounds can grow, become infected, and develop into gangrene. Gangrene from diabetes is the No. 1 cause of nontraumatic foot amputation in the United States.

At Concord Podiatry in Concord and Plymouth, New Hampshire, board-certified foot and ankle specialist Dr. David E. Biss specializes in diabetic foot care. However, in between office visits, he recommends that you perform your own diabetic foot checks.

Do you have diabetes? Here’s how to check your feet daily to avoid serious complications.

1. Look over your entire foot

Either by yourself, with a mirror, with a phone camera, or with the help of a willing partner, examine the top, soles, and sides of your feet every day. Look for anything that could be a wound, particularly one that isn’t healing or one that has healed and recurred. 

Let us know if you find any cuts, blisters, bruises, or bleeding lesions. Also check for calluses and corns, which could indicate that your shoes don’t fit well.

2. Peek between your toes, too

Cuts and injuries can easily develop between your toes, where they’re difficult to see. Spread your toes manually to check the sides of each toe. Also examine the webs between your toes, on both sides. Alert us if you have new or slow-healing wounds.

3. Palpate your feet

Not all foot problems are easy or even possible to see. You may have subtle bumps, changes in texture, cold spots, or hot spots that you can discover when you examine by touch. You may also find areas of tenderness, which may be of special concern if they’re also hot to the touch.

4. Wash and dry your feet and toes

Dirt, grime, and sweat collect on your feet after a busy day, so thoroughly wash them daily, including between your toes. Use warm, not hot, water and a gentle soap. Be sure you carefully dry them afterward, including around each toe. Apply a moisturizer afterward to keep your skin soft and moist. 

5. Take note of changes

Another reason to check your feet daily is that it’s easier to spot an anomaly when you’re already familiar with how your feet look and feel. If you notice anything new or concerning, contact us right away. Dr. Biss can inspect your feet to determine if you need treatment.

Useful tips to protect your feet

We also suggest that you develop the following habits that keep your feet healthy and safe.

Keep toenails straight and short

Use a clipper that’s specifically designed for your toes; don’t use a fingernail clipper on your toenails. After you cut them short and straight, smooth sharp edges with a nail file or emery board. Proper trimming helps prevent ingrown toenails.

Cover your feet

Socks minimize friction in shoes, sneakers, and sandals, to reduce your chance of developing corns, calluses, or blisters. Wear slippers or shoes, even when you’re inside, to protect yourself from grit, sharp particles, or even a stubbed toe. 

Wear the right shoes

Our team makes recommendations about what types of shoes are best for your feet if you have diabetes. Stay away from high heels and shoes with narrow toe boxes. We may also recommend orthotics to correct misalignments. 

See us for problems

Don’t try to treat wounds or other problems on your own if you have diabetes — you don’t want to risk injuring yourself or causing further complications. When you develop issues with your feet, we can help. Call our office ASAP for treatment if you notice: 

• Tingling or burning
• Foot pain
• Numb feet
• Hair loss on toes and lower legs
• Thickened, yellow toenails
• Change in color or temperature of your feet
• Changes to foot shape 
• Athlete’s foot, warts, or other infections
• Blisters, ulcers, or corns
• Ingrown toenails

For top-notch diabetic foot care to keep your feet safe and healthy, reach out to our team at Concord Podiatry today by calling or texting to schedule a visit with Dr. Biss.