Diabetic Foot Care: Essential Daily Habits to Prevent Complications

Living with diabetes means paying close attention to your health, especially when it comes to your feet. High blood sugar levels can reduce circulation, damage nerves, and increase the risk of infections. This means even small foot issues can quickly become serious. The good news is that with a consistent foot care routine and regular podiatry reviews, most complications are preventable.

At My Family Podiatry in Albany Creek, we work with diabetic patients every day to help them stay mobile, safe, and informed. This guide outlines the daily foot care habits we recommend and explains when you should seek professional help.

How Diabetes Affects Your Feet

Diabetes impacts the feet in two major ways:

1. Reduced Sensation (Peripheral Neuropathy) Nerve damage can cause tingling, burning, or numbness in the feet. You may not notice small cuts, pressure areas, or blisters, which can worsen without pain as a warning sign.

2. Poor Circulation (Peripheral Arterial Disease) Reduced blood flow slows the healing of wounds and increases the risk of infection. This makes early detection and preventative care critical.

For these reasons, diabetic foot care should never be reactive. The goal is always prevention.

Your Daily Diabetic Foot Care Routine

The following steps form the foundation of good foot health for people living with diabetes. Done consistently, they help catch issues early and reduce the chance of complications.

1. Inspect Your Feet Daily

Use good lighting to check the tops, soles, and between the toes. Look for:

• Cuts or cracks

• Red spots, bruising or swelling

• Blisters or rubbing from shoes

• Ingrown nails

• Corns or calluses

• Any changes in skin colour or temperature

If you have trouble seeing your feet, use a mirror or ask someone you trust to help.

2. Wash and Dry Carefully

Wash your feet daily using lukewarm water and mild soap. Avoid soaking, as it can dry the skin. Dry thoroughly, especially between the toes.

3. Moisturise (But Not Between Toes)

Dry skin can crack and lead to infection. Apply a gentle foot moisturiser daily, avoiding the spaces between toes to reduce fungal risk.

We recommend Revive Daily foot moisturiser, a gentle but powerful moisturiser that reduces hard skin and keeps your feet smooth.

4. Check Socks and Shoes

Wear clean, dry socks made from breathable fabrics like cotton or bamboo. Avoid tight bands that restrict circulation.

Before putting on shoes, shake them out and feel inside for any objects, rough seams, or foreign items that could cause pressure.

5. Wear Proper Footwear

Choose shoes with:

• A wide toe box to prevent rubbing

• Soft insoles with cushioning

• No internal stitching that could irritate the skin

If needed, we can assess your footwear during a podiatry appointment and help you choose diabetic-safe options.

6. Trim Nails Carefully

Cut nails straight across and avoid digging into corners. If your nails are thick, curved, or difficult to manage safely, we recommend a routine podiatry care appointment.

7. Avoid Going Barefoot

Even indoors, walking barefoot increases your risk of stepping on something sharp or irritating the skin. Wear slippers or shoes with a protective sole inside the house.

What to Avoid

• Soaking your feet for long periods

• Using heating pads or hot water bottles

• Cutting corns or calluses at home

• Using harsh creams or over-the-counter corn removers

• Walking barefoot, especially on rough or hot surfaces

When Should Diabetics See a Podiatrist?

Even with excellent self-care, professional assessments are vital.

Annual Screenings

We recommend at least one diabetic foot assessment each year, even if your feet feel fine. At My Family Podiatry, this includes:

• Doppler ultrasound to check blood flow

• 10g monofilament testing for protective sensation

• 128Hz tuning fork to assess vibration sense and nerve health

These assessments help us monitor for early changes and assign your risk level so we can intervene before problems develop.

Urgent Reasons to Book a Visit

• You notice redness, swelling, or an area that feels warm to touch

• You have a cut or blister that is not healing

• There is a change in skin colour or toenail condition

• You have ongoing tingling, numbness, or burning sensations

• Your foot shape or gait has changed suddenly

• You are unsure about how to manage a skin or nail issue

Professional Diabetic Foot Care at My Family Podiatry

Our Albany Creek clinic is equipped with the tools and expertise to care for all aspects of diabetic foot health. This includes:

• Comprehensive foot and gait assessments

• Nail and skin care (including corn and callus removal)

• Custom orthotics for pressure redistribution and injury management

• Wound monitoring and dressing changes

• Footwear guidance

• Communication with your GP or care team when needed

If you are eligible for a chronic disease management plan (care plan) from your GP, you can receive a rebate from Medicare towards your podiatry appointments.

We also bulk bill diabetic foot assessments between 10am and 2pm on weekdays, meaning no out-of-pocket cost during these hours for eligible patients.

Next Steps In Your Diabetic Foot Care

Daily care and annual check-ups are the best defence against diabetic foot complications. With a few simple habits and the support of your podiatrist, you can stay ahead of any issues and keep your feet healthy long-term.

If it has been more than 12 months since your last diabetic foot assessment, or if you are noticing any new symptoms, click the button below to book your appointment.

We are here to help you take the right steps to protect your health.

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