🦶 Diabetic Foot Care: The Daily Routine That Could Save Your Feet

For someone with diabetes, a small blister or a minor cut on the foot is not just a nuisance — it can be the starting point of a serious wound that refuses to heal. Diabetes causes two problems that threaten the feet: nerve damage (neuropathy) that makes it difficult to feel injuries, and poor circulation that slows healing and increases infection risk. Together, they are responsible for the vast majority of non‑traumatic lower‑limb amputations. Yet, with a simple, consistent daily routine, the vast majority of foot complications are preventable. Dr. Ravi Sishir Reddy walks you through the essential foot‑care habits every person with diabetes must adopt.

1. Inspect Your Feet Every Single Day

Because neuropathy can rob you of the ability to feel a wound, you must look at your feet every day. Make this a part of your morning or evening routine — like brushing your teeth. Do it in good light, and use a mirror to see the bottoms of your feet if you have difficulty bending over. A magnifying mirror can help if your vision is not perfect.

What to look for:

• Cuts, scratches, or blisters — even the tiniest ones.
• Redness, warmth, or swelling — signs of inflammation or infection.
• Corns, calluses, or thickened skin — these can break down and become ulcers.
• Dry, cracked skin — especially on the heels, which can provide an entry point for bacteria.
• Ingrown toenails, or any discolouration of the nails (possible fungal infection).
• Any change from the previous day.

If you notice any break in the skin that is not healing within a day or two — or any sign of infection — contact your doctor immediately. Do not wait.

2. Wash and Dry Your Feet Properly

• Wash daily with lukewarm water and a mild soap. Test the water temperature with your hand or elbow first — if you have neuropathy, you may not feel how hot the water is, and scalding is a real risk. Never soak your feet for long periods, as prolonged soaking can dry out the skin and cause cracks.
• Dry thoroughly but gently, especially between the toes — moisture trapped between the toes promotes fungal infections like athlete's foot. Pat the skin dry rather than rubbing vigorously, which can damage fragile skin.
• Moisturise the tops and soles of your feet with a good quality lotion, cream, or coconut oil to keep the skin supple and prevent cracking. Do not apply lotion between the toes — this area should remain dry.

3. Trim Your Toenails Safely

• Trim nails straight across, not curved, and file the edges with an emery board to smooth any sharp corners. This prevents ingrown toenails.
• Do not cut nails too short — leave a little bit of nail beyond the nail bed.
• If you have neuropathy, poor vision, or thickened, difficult‑to‑cut nails, let a podiatrist or a trained foot care professional trim them. Do not risk cutting yourself.
• Never try to cut corns or calluses yourself with razor blades, scalpels, or over‑the‑counter corn‑removal products containing salicylic acid. These can cause serious wounds in diabetic feet. See a professional.

4. Wear the Right Shoes and Socks

Footwear is not just a fashion choice — it is a medical device for your feet.

• Shoes: Choose closed‑toe shoes that fit well, with a wide toe box that does not squeeze or rub. Avoid pointed toes, high heels, and shoes with seams that press against your foot. The ideal shoe has a thick, cushioned sole, good arch support, and is made of breathable material (leather or canvas). Before putting on your shoes, check inside with your hand for any pebbles, rough seams, or foreign objects — you may not feel them if you have neuropathy.
• Specialist footwear: If you have foot deformities (bunions, hammertoes, Charcot foot) or a history of ulcers, you may need custom‑moulded therapeutic shoes or insoles prescribed by a podiatrist. Medicare and some insurance plans cover these.
• Socks: Wear clean, dry socks every day — preferably seamless, moisture‑wicking diabetic socks that do not have tight elastic bands. Tight elastic can restrict circulation and cause swelling. Avoid socks with holes or darned areas that can create pressure points.
• Never walk barefoot — even at home. A tiny piece of glass, a sharp stone, or a hot floor can cause an injury you won't feel. Always wear slippers or shoes.

5. Keep Blood Flowing to Your Feet

• Put your feet up when sitting to reduce swelling, but also wiggle your toes and rotate your ankles for a few minutes several times a day to promote circulation.
• Don't cross your legs for long periods — this compresses blood vessels and reduces circulation to your lower legs.
• Stay active: Walking and gentle exercise improve blood flow throughout the body. If you cannot walk, seated leg exercises and calf raises can help.
• Stop smoking: Tobacco severely constricts blood vessels and dramatically increases the risk of poor wound healing and amputation.

6. When to See a Doctor or Podiatrist Immediately

Dr. Reddy advises that you should never ignore any of the following:

• A cut, blister, or wound that is not healing or is getting larger.
• Redness, swelling, warmth, or pus — signs of infection.
• Pain in the foot (although neuropathy often masks pain, some people have painful neuropathy).
• A callus that has blood or dark discolouration inside — this may be a pre‑ulcer.
• Blackened or dark skin (gangrene).
• Sudden deformity or swelling of the foot or ankle (possible Charcot neuroarthropathy).
• Fever with a foot wound.

Don't attempt to self‑treat with iodine, peroxide, or home remedies without medical guidance. A simple wound can become a deep ulcer rapidly in a diabetic foot.