Daily foot checks: A simple habit to prevent diabetes complications
The CDC advises daily inspections to detect nerve damage early, reducing the risk of amputation for patients with diabetes.
By Renata Mehta ·
A small cut or blister that goes unnoticed can lead to serious health consequences for people with diabetes.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) links daily foot care to the management of diabetic neuropathy. This condition causes nerve damage that reduces the ability to feel pain, heat, or cold in the feet. Because patients may not sense injuries immediately, a small wound or area of redness can worsen without detection. The CDC states that checking feet every day allows for early treatment and lowers the risk of amputation.
The agency recommends a specific routine for maintenance. Individuals should wash their feet daily with lukewarm water, ensuring they are not soaked for long periods. After drying, moisturizer should be applied to the top and bottom of the feet, but not between the toes, to prevent infection. People should never walk barefoot, even indoors, and should wear well-fitting shoes. To find the correct size, the CDC suggests trying on new shoes at the end of the day when feet are typically larger. Nail care requires cutting straight across and smoothing edges with a file. Calluses should not be removed by hand or with over-the-counter products that might burn the skin.
The next step in this protocol involves professional oversight. Patients are advised to ask their primary care provider to check their feet during every medical appointment. This regular review ensures that any developing issues are caught by a professional before they become severe.
Specific symptoms require immediate medical attention. Patients should contact a doctor if they notice tingling, burning, or pain in the feet. Other warning signs include a loss of touch sensation, difficulty feeling temperature changes, or visible changes in the shape of the feet over time. Dry or cracked skin, changes in foot color or temperature, and yellow or thickened toenails also warrant a visit. Fungal infections, such as athlete's foot between the toes, are additional triggers for a medical consult.
The CDC lists blisters, sores, ulcers, infected calluses, and ingrown toenails as conditions that need professional evaluation. These specific indicators help patients distinguish between minor daily care needs and issues that require clinical intervention.
