Diabetes complications can include nerve damage and poor blood circulation.
These problems can lead to skin sores (ulcers) on the feet that can get worse quickly.
The good news is that managing your diabetes and taking care of your feet can help prevent foot ulcers.
When you get a foot ulcer, it’s important to get care immediately.
Most lower leg and foot removals begin with foot ulcers.
An ulcer that won’t heal causes severe damage to tissues and bone.
It may require surgical removal (amputation) of a toe, a foot or part of a leg.
Some people with diabetes are at higher risk than others.
The best way to prevent complications of diabetesincluding foot ulcersis to manage your diabetes.
Taking care of your feet will help prevent problems.
It can also ensure you get medical care quickly when you see problems.
If you have trouble reaching your feet, use a hand mirror to see the bottoms of your feet.
Wash your feet every day.Wash your feet in lukewarm (not hot) water once a day.
Dry them gently, especially between the toes.
Use a pumice stone to gently rub the skin where calluses easily form.
Put talcum powder or cornstarch between your toes to keep the skin dry.
Use a moisturizing cream or lotion on the tops and bottoms of your feet to keep the skin soft.
Preventing cracks in dry skin helps keep bacteria from getting in.
Don’t use chemical wart removers.
See your provider or foot specialist (podiatrist) to remove any of these issues.
Cut your toenails carefully.Cut your nails straight across.
Carefully file sharp ends with an emery board.
Ask someone for help if you could’t trim your nails yourself.
Don’t go barefoot.To keep from hurting your feet, don’t go barefoot, even around your house.
Wear clean, dry socks.Wear socks made of material that pulls sweat away from your skin.
This includes cotton and special acrylic fibersnot nylon.
Don’t wear socks with tight elastic bands.
These bands reduce circulation.
Avoid socks with seams that could irritate your skin.
Avoid tightfitting shoes and high heels or narrow shoes that crowd your toes.
If one foot is bigger than the other, buy shoes in the larger size.
Your provider may recommend specially designed shoes (orthopedic shoes).
Don’t smoke.Smoking makes it harder for your blood to go through your body.
It also reduces the amount of oxygen in your blood.
These problems can make wounds worse and slow down healing.
Talk to your provider if you need help quitting smoking.
Have a foot exam at least once a year or more often if recommended by your provider.
Treatments for foot ulcers depend on the wound.
Wounds need to be checked often, at least every 1 to 4 weeks.
A surgeon will remove the damaged tissue and keep as much healthy tissue as possible.
After surgery, you’ll stay in the hospital for a few days.
It may take 4 to 6 weeks for your wound to heal completely.
People who’ve had one amputation are at higher risk of having another.
Updated: 9/8/2022
Publication Date: 10/2/2007
