Prescott Quad-City Mobile Podiatric Service

A Podiatrist's Advice on Diabetic Foot Care

By Pierre N. Momjian, DPM

An estimated 17 million Americans have diabetes. As a Podiatrist, I have been treating diabetic feet for about fifteen years.  Over these years, I have come up with a list of things a diabetic can do to avoid injury:

• Do not smoke, as this damages the blood vessels.
• Moisturize your feet daily, except between the toes! The toe spaces are a great nidus for bacterial growth.
• Wash your feet daily, using mild soap and lukewarm water. Diabetics should always check the water temperature with their elbows, as their hands will lose their innervations along with their feet. Dry your feet well, padding dry, never wiping vigorously. Do not soak your feet, unless directed to do so by your Podiatrist.
• Avoid extreme temperatures. Never apply water bottles or heating blankets to your feet.
• Avoid applying chemicals to your feet, including over the counter medications, without first consulting your Podiatrist.
• Avoid anything that will restrict the circulation in your feet, including girdles, garters, and tight socks. Change socks daily, wear properly fitted white cotton or wool socks, and avoid thick seams. The white will show blood or other bodily fluids quite easily!
• Inspect your shoes daily, BEFORE WEARING! This is to make sure there are no foreign objects in the shoes, BEFORE they go on a diabetic foot!
• Shoes should be comfortable when bought. Do not rely on "Wearing in", as this is damaging to the diabetic foot. Never wear sandals, open shoes, or shoes without socks or stockings.
• Never walk barefoot.
• Never trim your own nails, cuticles, corns or calluses. Do not allow your nails to be cut too short or too long! Preferably, see a Podiatrist!
• Visit your Podiatrist regularly, once every two to six months.
• Visit your Doctor regularly.
• Inspect your feet regularly, daily if possible.

What to look for in the diabetic foot inspection:

• Inflamed skin (redness, swelling, hot spots).
• Broken skin (cracks, sores, ulcers).
• Pus, drainage, bleeding, or any foul odors.
• Red streaks.
• Pale or blue skin.
• Change in sensation (pain, tingling, "pins and needles feeling", burning sensation, numbness, etc...).
• Changes in skin temperature.
• Inspect your socks for blood or pus daily.

These are good guidelines for diabetic foot care.  We obviously cannot cover everything here, but if followed, these guidelines will help prevent future diabetic foot complications.  However, this is not a substitute for the care your Podiatrist or Medical Doctor can provide.  If you have any questions, please feel free to call me at (928) 710-4338, or via e-mail at DrMomjian@excite.com.