: The Essential Guide to Protecting Your Feet

Creator: Central Florida Foot & Ankle Institute
Published: 2025-01-27

Key Takeaways:

Diabetes increases foot complication risk by 25x—prevention is critical
Daily foot inspections can catch problems before they become emergencies
Numbness from neuropathy means you may not feel injuries—visual checks are essential
Regular podiatric care is the single most effective prevention strategy

Why Diabetes Puts Your Feet at Risk

If you have diabetes, your feet require special attention. This isn't optional health advice—it's critical protection against complications that can be life-altering.

Diabetes affects your feet through two primary mechanisms:

Diabetic Neuropathy: High blood sugar damages nerve fibers, especially in the legs and feet. This numbness—affecting up to 50% of people with diabetes—means you may not feel cuts, blisters, or injuries until they become serious infections. Poor Circulation: Diabetes damages blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the extremities. This impairs healing and makes it harder for your body to fight infections.

Together, these factors create a dangerous combination: you can't feel injuries, and your body can't heal them effectively. A small blister that a healthy person wouldn't notice can escalate into an ulcer, infection, and in severe cases, amputation.

At Central Florida Foot & Ankle Institute, we're committed to helping our diabetic patients keep their feet healthy and intact through proactive, preventive care.

Understanding the Risks: By the Numbers

The statistics are sobering, but knowledge is power:

Every 30 seconds, someone in the world loses a limb to diabetes complications
85% of diabetes-related amputations are preceded by a foot ulcer
25% of people with diabetes will develop a foot ulcer in their lifetime
Up to 85% of amputations are preventable with proper foot care

These aren't meant to frighten you—they're meant to motivate action. With proper care, the vast majority of complications can be prevented.

Daily Foot Care: Your First Line of Defense

The Daily Inspection

Every single day, examine your feet carefully. If you can't see the bottom of your feet, use a mirror or ask a family member to help. What to look for:

Cuts, scrapes, or blisters
Red spots or areas of unusual color
Swelling anywhere on the foot
Corns or
Cracks in the skin, especially around the heel
Any changes from the day before

When to call us immediately:

Open sores or wounds that aren't healing
Signs of infection: redness, warmth, pus, foul odor
Black or blue discoloration
Fever combined with foot problems
Sudden changes in foot shape

Daily Hygiene Routine

Wash feet daily with lukewarm water and mild soap. Never use hot water—neuropathy may prevent you from sensing dangerous temperatures. Test water with your elbow first. Dry thoroughly, especially between the toes. Moisture promotes fungal infections. Moisturize the tops and bottoms of your feet to prevent cracking, but avoid moisturizer between toes where it can encourage fungal growth. Never walk barefoot—not even at home. A small cut from stepping on something could become a serious problem.

Footwear: Non-Negotiable Protection

For people with diabetes, shoes aren't just about comfort or style—they're medical protective equipment.

Shoe Requirements

Always wear shoes that:

Fit properly with no pressure points
Have a wide, deep toe box
Provide good arch support
Are made of breathable materials
Have cushioned soles

Never wear:

Shoes that rub or cause blisters
Flip-flops or sandals (expose feet to injury)
Shoes without socks
Pointed-toe or high-heeled shoes
Worn-out footwear

Diabetic Shoes and Medicare Coverage

Medicare and most insurance plans cover therapeutic shoes for people with diabetes. These specially designed shoes reduce pressure, accommodate custom orthotics, and protect against injury. Learn more about diabetic shoes and Medicare coverage.

Before Putting on Shoes

Every time you put on shoes, check inside for:

Small stones or debris
Rough seams or torn linings
Foreign objects

What seems like a minor annoyance to others could cause a wound you can't feel.

Nail Care: Proceed with Caution

Trimming toenails improperly can lead to s and infections. For many people with diabetes, professional nail care is the safest option.

Safe Nail Care Guidelines

If you trim your own nails:

Cut straight across, never into corners
File edges smooth with an emery board
Never cut cuticles
Don't use sharp instruments to clean under nails
Trim after bathing when nails are softer
Ensure good lighting

When to Leave It to Professionals

Seek professional nail care if you have:

Neuropathy affecting your feet
Poor circulation
Poor eyesight
Difficulty reaching your feet
Thick or fungal nails
History of foot ulcers

Our podiatrists provide safe, specialized nail care for diabetic patients at all four CFFAI locations.

Recognizing Warning Signs of Complications

Diabetic Neuropathy Symptoms

Numbness or reduced sensation
Tingling or "pins and needles"
Burning or shooting pain
Sensitivity to touch
Muscle weakness
Loss of reflexes
Loss of balance

Learn more about diabetic neuropathy and protecting your feet.

Signs of Poor Circulation

Cold feet
Leg cramps when walking (claudication)
Skin color changes (pale, red, or blue)
Slow-healing wounds
Hair loss on legs and feet
Shiny, thin skin

Foot Ulcer Warning Signs

Open sores that don't heal
Drainage on socks
Unusual odor
Redness surrounding a wound
Black tissue (possible gangrene)

If you notice any signs of an ulcer, contact us immediately. Early treatment of ulcers dramatically improves outcomes.

Blood Sugar Control: The Foundation

All the foot care in the world can't overcome chronically uncontrolled blood sugar. High glucose levels:

Accelerate nerve damage
Impair wound healing
Weaken immune response
Damage blood vessels

Work with your primary care physician or endocrinologist to maintain optimal blood sugar control. It's the single most important thing you can do to protect your feet long-term.

The Critical Role of Regular Podiatric Care

For people with diabetes, regular podiatric checkups aren't optional—they're essential preventive care.

What We Do at Each Visit

Comprehensive foot examination
Neurological assessment (sensation testing)
Circulation evaluation
Skin and nail inspection
and corn treatment
Early problem identification
Education and prevention strategies

Recommended Visit Frequency

Well-controlled diabetes, no complications: At least annually
Neuropathy or circulation problems: Every 3-6 months
History of foot ulcers or amputation: Every 1-3 months

When to See a Podiatrist Immediately

Don't wait for your regular appointment if you experience:

Any open wound on your foot
Signs of infection (redness, warmth, swelling, pus)
Changes in skin color
Pain in your legs when walking
Tingling or burning sensations
Numbness or loss of feeling
Changes in foot shape
Dry cracks in the skin

At CFFAI, we prioritize concerns. If you're experiencing any warning signs, schedule an appointment right away.

About Central Florida Foot & Ankle Institute

At CFFAI, Dr. Carli Hoover and Dr. Sean Griffin provide expert podiatric care across Central Florida, with special expertise in and limb preservation. With locations in Orlando, Kissimmee, Lake Mary, and Oviedo, comprehensive is always close to home.

Protect your feet. Protect your mobility. Protect your life. Book your evaluation today →

Key Takeaways