The daily inspection: foot exams for people with diabetes
Since diabetes can cause you to lose sensation in your feet (diabetic neuropathy), you can't always count on your feet telling you when something is wrong. For example, there could have been a pebble in your shoe that you didn't notice, or you may have a blister or a foot ulcer that is not obvious because it did not hurt.
That's why you need to visually examine your feet every day. Treating small problems before they become big ones will help keep your diabetic feet healthy and free from complications.
Here's what to consider when you inspect your feet:
Be thorough. Check everywhere: between the toes, on the top, and the bottom of your feet. Look for sores, swollen or red areas, cuts or breaks in the skin, calluses, corns or blisters. You may want to use a mirror to look at the bottoms of your feet.
Understand the symptoms. Areas that are cool to the touch may mean poor circulation. Areas that are warm may mean infection. Redness around a toe may be an ingrown toenail. Thickened and yellowed nails may mean nail fungus, a treatable infection that is common in individuals with diabetes.
Buy the best. Ask your healthcare professional about footwear specialists who can fit you with diabetic shoes and socks — protective footwear designed for the needs of people like yourself.
Call the doctor. Check with your healthcare professional for advice if you find any foot problems. Your doctor will treat your condition to help prevent further complications.