Diabetic Foot Care

Why does diabetes affect the feet?

Diabetes can reduce sensation, affect circulation, dry the skin, and slow healing. A blister, pressure point, or small cut may be difficult to feel and can become more serious without early care.

What is included in a diabetic foot exam?

We check skin and nails, pressure points, foot shape, circulation, temperature, sensation, strength, and shoe fit. We also review glucose control, prior wounds, infections, amputations, smoking, kidney disease, and other factors that affect risk.

When is preventive care helpful?

The timing of visits depends on individual risk. People with neuropathy, circulation disease, deformity, thick nails, calluses, or a history of wounds usually need closer monitoring. Professional nail and callus care may be appropriate when home care is unsafe.

How can I protect my feet at home?

• Check the tops, soles, heels, and between the toes every day
• Wash and dry carefully, especially between the toes
• Use moisturizer on dry skin, but not between the toes
• Wear well fitting shoes and clean socks
• Do not walk barefoot
• Do not cut corns, calluses, or nail corners deeply at home

When should I seek prompt care?

Call promptly for a blister, cut, drainage, redness, warmth, swelling, black or blue skin, a new area of numbness, or a nail problem that breaks the skin. Fever, spreading infection, a deep wound, or a cold and discolored foot may require urgent care.

Related care

Learn about neuropathy and burning feet, wound care, and PAD circulation testing.

Frequently asked questions

When should I call sooner?

Call promptly for an open area, drainage, spreading redness, color change, increasing swelling, fever, or a foot that becomes cold or newly numb.

Can I treat this safely at home?

Home care depends on circulation, sensation, skin condition, and the diagnosis. People with diabetes, neuropathy, or poor circulation should avoid aggressive cutting, scraping, or medicated products without guidance.

How often will I need follow up?

Follow up depends on risk and response to treatment. The clinician will explain what should improve and when the area needs to be checked again.

Schedule a foot and ankle visit

Signature Foot and Ankle provides care in Boynton Beach and Loxahatchee. Call 561 203 9285 or request an appointment online.