Podiatric / Diabetic Foot

Diabetes happens when your blood sugar levels are too high. Over time, this can damage your nerves (called neuropathy) and reduce blood flow. These problems mostly show up in your feet. You might not feel a cut or sore, and poor circulation means your foot can’t heal properly. That’s why daily foot care and regular check-ups are key. A small problem can grow fast if ignored. So, early care really matters.

Diabetes and Foot Care

Let’s dive deeper into why people with diabetes need special foot care. The nerves in your feet can become damaged and lose feeling. So, you may not notice a blister or injury. At the same time, poor circulation slows healing. This creates a perfect storm—injuries happen and then don’t heal. Infections can grow and lead to ulcers. In the worst cases, doctors may need to remove part of the foot or leg.

Here’s how diabetes affects your feet:

• You may not feel pain or injuries due to nerve damage.
• Poor blood flow means wounds heal slowly or not at all.
• You’re more likely to get infections.
• Foot shape might change, causing pressure points and ulcers.
• You may not notice these problems unless you check your feet daily.

People with diabetic foot problems often don’t notice symptoms until things get worse. But knowing what to look for can help you catch problems early. If something feels off, get it checked by a doctor.

Common symptoms include:

• Numbness or tingling in your feet
• Burning or sharp pain
• Dry, cracked skin on your heels
• Foot swelling or redness
• Wounds, cuts, or sores that don’t heal
• Changes in skin color or temperature
• Bad smells from a sore
• Loss of feeling in one or both feet

If you notice any of the symptoms above, visit a podiatrist for a full foot exam. Diagnosing a Podiatric / Diabetic Foot issue starts with a close look at your feet and your health history. Doctors check for nerve damage, blood flow, skin issues, and bone problems. They may also run tests to check how your feet respond to pressure and temperature, and they might order scans if they suspect deeper issues.

Diagnosis may include:

• Visual foot check for wounds or deformities
• Monofilament test for feeling (touch sensitivity)
• Doppler test to check blood flow
• Blood sugar levels and infection tests
• X-rays or MRI scans if bone infection is suspected

Treating Podiatric / Diabetic Foot issues depends on how early the problem is found. In early stages, daily wound care, antibiotics, and rest can help. Doctors clean the wound and apply dressings that protect it. You may need special shoes or boots to reduce pressure on your foot. If the infection spreads or tissue dies, surgery might be needed. The goal is always to stop the problem before it becomes serious.

Common treatments include:

• Cleaning and dressing wounds
• Using antibiotics for infections
• Debriding (removing dead tissue)
• Custom footwear or insoles
• Surgery to fix foot shape or remove infection
• Hospital care for serious infections or ulcers

Most diabetic foot problems can be prevented. Small daily habits can protect your feet and avoid serious complications. Keep your blood sugar levels under control and check your feet every day. Take care of your toenails, moisturize, and avoid going barefoot. See a podiatrist regularly to catch issues early. Prevention is not only cheaper, but also far less painful than treatment.

Simple prevention steps:

• Wash and dry your feet every day
• Check your feet for cuts, blisters, or swelling
• Wear clean, soft socks and well-fitted shoes
• Don’t go barefoot, even indoors
• Moisturize dry skin (but not between toes)
• Don’t treat corns or calluses by yourself
• Get regular foot exams
• Keep your blood sugar in control
• Quit smoking to improve blood flow

Living with diabetes doesn’t have to mean living in fear of foot problems. When you understand how Podiatric / Diabetic Foot problems begin and how to prevent them, you’re already ahead. Your feet carry you through life—take care of them with simple daily habits and regular check-ups. Don’t wait for pain or infection to take action. Start today, and give your feet the care they deserve. Your future self will thank you.