Why Diabetic Foot Care Matters
Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) can lead to serious complications, including hospitalization and amputation, if not caught and treated early. Because diabetes often causes loss of sensation and visual changes in the feet, symptoms can go unnoticed until an ulcer is already present. Daily foot care is one of the most effective ways patients can protect their feet for life.

Risk Factors for Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Several factors raise the risk of developing a DFU, including:

Calluses, foot and toe deformities, and dry, cracked skin or fissures
Trauma — stubbed toes, tight or new/loose-fitting footwear, pedicures, walking barefoot, or soaking feet in hot water
Edema/swelling and poor circulation
Smoking and obesity
Poor glycemic (blood sugar) control, or diabetes duration over 10 years
History of prior foot ulceration or lower-extremity amputation
Loss of protective sensation (LOPS) and lower extremity arterial disease (LEAD)
Signs and Symptoms to Watch For
Because sensation and vision change with diabetes, symptoms may be subtle or delayed. Watch for burning, tingling, or "pins and needles"; numbness; loss of balance ("can't feel the ground"); hot spots, blisters, or friction sores; swelling with color changes; warm or hot areas on the feet; calluses, cracks, and fissures; toenail problems; and drainage or odor that may only be noticed on socks or by a caregiver.

Prevention: Daily Habits That Protect Feet
Footwear: Wear well-fitting, closed-toe shoes and clean, seam-free socks every day; check inside shoes before putting them on; avoid walking barefoot, tight shoes, high heels, or thin soles.
Injury prevention: Never use heating pads, hot water bottles, or electric blankets on the feet; avoid barefoot walking on hot pavement or sand; never use sharp tools or unapproved corn removers.
Skin care: Wash and dry feet daily using lukewarm water and mild soap; moisturize dry skin but avoid lotion between the toes.
Routine foot inspection: Check tops, bottoms, heels, between toes, and around nails daily (use a mirror or a caregiver's help) for cuts, blisters, redness, swelling, corns, drainage, color changes, or open areas.
Nail care: Trim nails straight across if allowed by the provider; see a podiatrist for nail care if vision, circulation, or sensation is impaired.
Lifestyle: Stop smoking, eat a balanced diet, stay active as ordered, and keep follow-up visits as scheduled to promote healing and blood flow.
Warning Signs: When to Call the Provider
Contact a provider right away for: loss of sensation or sudden change in feeling, swelling or change in foot size/appearance, an injury that prevents bearing weight, warmth in one area of the foot, pain, redness or swelling, black or blue discoloration, a non-healing cut/blister/sore or prolonged callus, unexplained fever, or drainage, pus, or bad odor.

Small steps today can prevent big problems tomorrow.

Corstrata's board-certified WOC nurses provide virtual wound and ostomy care — reach out to your care team with any foot-care questions or concerns.