Best Tips for Helping to Prevent Diabetic Foot Wounds

Our Wichita Podiatrist Treats Patients With Diabetic Foot Wounds and Offers Tips on How to Prevent Them

When you live with diabetes, a small wound on your foot, such as a blister, scrape, or cut, can develop into a serious problem. That’s why patients with diabetes must remain vigilant about their foot health. According to the NIH, approximately 25% of diabetic patients will develop at least one foot ulcer in their lifetime, and between 14 to 24 percent who develop a foot ulcer will have an amputation.

Dr. Benjamin Weaver at Central Kansas Podiatry Associates understands the challenges you face in protecting your feet, especially if you have diabetes. Here, Dr. Weaver gives tips for helping to prevent diabetic foot wounds and serious complications.

Ways to Help Prevent Diabetic Foot Wounds

For patients with diabetes, wounds typically form on the bottom of the feet. Many patients have a lack of feeling in the foot, poor circulation, and/or foot deformities, and it’s not easy for them to realize they have a wound until it’s infected or progressed to a serious state. Patients who have diabetes for many years can develop neuropathy, a reduced or complete lack of ability to feel pain in the feet due to nerve damage caused by elevated blood glucose levels over time. That’s why it’s important to do the following to help prevent foot wounds:

Perform a Daily Check of Your Feet

Because nerve damage from diabetes can make it difficult to feel an injury or wound on your foot, it’s important to check your feet every day. When you get in the habit of doing this daily check, it can help you find and treat potential problems early on. During your inspection, you should look for blisters, cracks and peeling skin, corns and calluses, and any redness, warmth or swelling.

Wear Shoes and Socks That Are Diabetic Friendly

The type of shoes and socks you wear are critical in helping to prevent foot wounds. When you choose your daily footwear, you should pick the following:

• Footwear made with breathable materials. Shoes made from leather, canvas, or mesh allow air to circulate and keep your feet dry. Try to avoid shoes made of plastic or vinyl that trap moisture.
• Footwear with cushioning. Ample cushioning, especially in the sole, helps absorb shock and reduces pressure points. Look for shoes with removable insoles so you can add diabetic inserts if needed.
• Footwear with a wide toe box. Make sure there is plenty of room for your toes to move around. Cramped toe boxes can cause blisters and nail problems.

Dr. Weaver and his podiatric team can recommend specific brands and styles of footwear that are especially helpful for people with diabetes. Custom orthotics may also be beneficial for redistributing pressure and protecting vulnerable areas.

Control Your Blood Sugar

When you manage your blood sugar and keep it within your target range, you’ll do a lot to help prevent diabetic foot wounds. High blood sugar interferes with circulation and nerve function, making it harder for your body to heal injuries. It’s important to follow your doctor's recommendations for monitoring your blood sugar, taking medications, and adjusting your diet and exercise habits.

Never Go Barefoot

During the summer, many people want to walk in the cool grass or hang out by the pool without shoes; however, this is very risky for patients with diabetes. If you step on a sharp object, scrape your toe, or injure your foot without feeling it, you could develop a diabetic foot wound and not realize it. Walking barefoot can:

• Increase the risk of burns—walking barefoot on hot pavement or sand can cause serious burns that can become infected
• Increase pressure and friction on your feet—even more so than wearing shoes
• Increase exposure to fungi and bacteria—especially when walking in damp environments like pools, showers, and locker rooms

It’s helpful to get in the habit of wearing shoes or slippers, even when you’re inside, and choose footwear other than flip-flops and sandals for walking outside.

Make Regular Podiatry Appointments

Patients with diabetes understand how important it is to see their Wichita podiatrist regularly, especially if they have a history of foot problems. When you make an appointment with Dr. Weaver, he will do the following:

• Examine your feet for signs of injury or infection
• Test your sensations to check for nerve damage
• Assess your circulation

He may also trim your toenails, provide treatment for corns and calluses, and discuss custom orthotics, if necessary. Your check-ups are an essential part of your diabetes management plan. With ongoing podiatric care, you can help keep your feet in top shape and avoid serious complications.