Diabetic Foot Care: Tips from Top Foot and Ankle Surgeons

A foot and ankle orthopedic surgeon is checking the feet of a patient with diabetic foot problems.

In short,

  • Essential information for people with diabetes to maintain healthy feet.
  • Includes daily foot care tips and advice on choosing the right footwear.
  • Highlights when to seek professional care to prevent serious complications.

If you have diabetes, taking extra care of your feet is essential. Diabetes can increase your risk of nerve damage and circulation problems, leading to injuries or infections that may go unnoticed. Learning proper diabetic foot care — and knowing when to see a foot and ankle orthopedic surgeon — can make all the difference in preventing serious complications.

At The Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics Orthopaedic Associates of Central Maryland Division in Columbia, MD, our board-certified foot and ankle specialists help patients with diabetes stay active, comfortable, and healthy through expert diagnosis, prevention, and treatment.

Understanding Diabetes and Your Feet

Diabetes is a long-term health condition that affects how your body uses blood sugar (glucose). Over time, high blood sugar levels can harm nerves and blood vessels, especially in your feet.

This can lead to:

  • Diabetic Neuropathy: This is nerve damage that reduces feeling in your feet, making it hard to notice cuts, sores, or injuries. Because you might not feel a small problem, it can quickly become serious.
  • Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD): This condition reduces blood flow to your feet, which slows down healing and increases the risk of infection. Even minor injuries can be hard to heal.

Both conditions make daily foot care and regular checkups critical for people with diabetes.

Risk Factors for Diabetic Foot Problems

Certain factors increase your risk for foot problems:

  • Poorly controlled blood sugar
  • Smoking
  • High cholesterol
  • History of foot ulcers or infections

If you have any of these risk factors, it’s especially important to schedule regular visits with a foot and ankle orthopedic surgeon to detect and treat issues early.

Daily Foot Care Practices

Taking care of your feet every day is very important for preventing serious problems. Making it a habit can greatly lower your risk of complications.

  1. Check your feet daily: Look for cuts, blisters, redness, swelling, or nail problems. Use a mirror if you need help seeing all areas. Finding problems early is key to preventing infections.
  2. Wash your feet daily: Use warm (not hot) water and mild soap. Dry them well, especially between the toes. Moisture between your toes can lead to fungal infections.
  3. Moisturize your feet: Put lotion on your feet to prevent dry skin and cracking, but don’t put lotion between your toes. Dry skin can crack and let bacteria in.
  4. Trim your toenails carefully: Cut them straight across and file the edges to avoid ingrown toenails. If you have trouble seeing or reaching your feet, ask a family member for help, or see a podiatrist.
  5. Wear well-fitting shoes and socks: Avoid tight socks or shoes that rub or pinch. Shoes that don’t fit well can cause blisters and sores.

According to MedlinePlus, catching small issues early can prevent serious infections or ulcers.

Choosing the Right Footwear

The right shoes are very important for protecting your feet. They can provide support, cushioning, and protection from injury.

  • Wear shoes that provide good support and cushioning.
  • Break in new shoes slowly. Wear them for short periods at first to prevent blisters.
  • Check your shoes every day for anything inside that could hurt your feet.
  • Consider getting prescription footwear if you have foot problems. Talk to your doctor to see if this is right for you. Custom shoes can help with specific foot needs.

Preventing Foot Injuries and Infections

Protecting your feet from injury is key to avoiding problems. Even small injuries can become serious infections if they are not treated.

  • Always wear shoes or slippers, even when you are inside.
  • Protect your feet from hot and cold temperatures.
  • Avoid walking barefoot on hot surfaces like sand or pavement.
  • See a doctor right away if you notice any cuts, blisters, or signs of infection. Getting treatment early can prevent serious problems.

When Should You See a Foot and Ankle Orthopedic Surgeon?

If you have any of the following, see a doctor as soon as possible. Don’t wait to get medical help, because early treatment can make a big difference.

  • Any cut, blister, or sore that does not heal within a few days.
  • Signs of infection (redness, swelling, pus, pain).
  • Numbness or tingling in your feet
  • Changes in the shape of your feet
  • Ingrown toenails

Early treatment from a qualified specialist can help prevent hospitalization or amputation. Our surgeons at The Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics Orthopaedic Associates of Central Maryland Division specialize in advanced wound care, minimally invasive procedures, shockwave treatments (a non-invasive therapy that uses acoustic waves to stimulate healing in damaged tissues), and preventive strategies for diabetic patients.

Foot and Ankle Orthopedic Surgeon in Columbia, MD

Taking care of your feet is one of the best ways to protect your overall health. If you have diabetes — or notice any changes in your feet — it’s time to schedule a professional evaluation.

At The Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics Orthopaedic Associates of Central Maryland Division, our experienced foot and ankle orthopedic surgeons, Dr. Lipton and Dr. Hoffler, provide personalized care for diabetic patients in Columbia, MD, and surrounding areas. We offer routine exams, custom orthotics, and treatment plans, such as shockwave treatment, designed to prevent complications and keep you mobile.

Call our office near you or use our online appointment request form to schedule a consultation with our foot and ankle orthopedic surgeon. Let our team help you take the next step toward better foot health and long-term comfort.