Living with Diabetes? Don’t Overlook Your Feet — Here’s Why Foot Care Matters

June 14 2025

Living with diabetes requires constant attention—diet, medication, blood sugar levels, and lifestyle choices all play a part in staying healthy. But one area that is often overlooked until it’s too late? Your feet.

If you have diabetes, even a small foot issue can escalate quickly into a serious complication. Minor cuts, blisters, or pressure sores can lead to infections, ulcers, and even amputations if not properly treated. At Family Foot & Leg Center (FFLC), we see it all too often—what starts as a tiny problem turns into a major health concern.

That’s why we’re passionate about education and prevention when it comes to diabetic foot care.

Why Are People with Diabetes at Greater Risk?

Diabetes affects your entire body, but it hits your feet especially hard. Two primary complications increase your risk of foot problems:

1. Peripheral Neuropathy (Nerve Damage)

High blood sugar can damage the nerves in your feet, causing a condition known as peripheral neuropathy. This often results in:

* Numbness or tingling
* Burning pain
* Loss of sensation

With reduced sensation, you may not feel pain, heat, or pressure. That means you could walk around with a cut, blister, or foreign object in your shoe—and never know it.

2. Poor Circulation (Peripheral Arterial Disease)

Diabetes also affects blood flow, especially to the lower limbs. Poor circulation slows healing and reduces your body’s ability to fight infections. This is why even small wounds in diabetic feet can turn into non-healing ulcers, leading to serious infections and—in severe cases—amputation.

 

The Good News: Foot Complications Are Preventable

Early intervention and proper care make a huge difference. The American Diabetes Association recommends routine foot exams and proper at-home care to prevent complications.

Here are some essential diabetic foot care tips:

✅ Inspect Your Feet Daily

Look for blisters, redness, cuts, swelling, or nail problems. Use a mirror or ask for help if you can’t see the bottoms of your feet.

✅ Keep Feet Clean and Dry

Wash your feet daily with warm (not hot) water and mild soap. Dry them thoroughly—especially between the toes—to prevent fungal infections.

✅ Never Go Barefoot

Even indoors! You might step on something sharp or stub a toe and not notice. Always wear protective, supportive footwear.

✅ Trim Toenails Carefully

Trim straight across to avoid ingrown toenails. If you’re unsure or can’t safely do this, let a podiatrist handle it.

✅ Wear Diabetic-Friendly Footwear

Shoes should fit well, offer proper arch support, and not rub or pinch. Moisture-wicking socks can also help prevent fungal infections and blisters.

✅ Avoid Home Remedies for Foot Issues

Don’t use corn removers, razor blades, or harsh ointments without a doctor’s guidance. What works for others may be harmful for diabetic feet.

✅ See a Podiatrist Regularly

Routine checkups are key. A podiatrist can catch early signs of trouble and offer treatment before problems progress.

 

Why Choose FFLC for Diabetic Foot Care?

At Family Foot & Leg Center, we specialize in comprehensive diabetic foot care. Whether you need preventive care, custom orthotics, wound management, or surgical intervention, our team is here to help you walk safely through every stage of your diabetic journey.

 

What We Offer:

* Annual diabetic foot exams
* Wound and ulcer care
* Vascular testing for circulation
* Custom footwear and orthotics
* Education for at-home foot care
* Advanced imaging and diagnostic tools
* Minimally invasive procedures when necessary

 

 

When to Call a Podiatrist Immediately

Even with good care, issues can arise. Don’t wait if you notice any of the following:

* Sores that don’t heal within a few days
* Swelling, redness, or warmth
* Unusual odor or drainage from a wound
* Blackened skin or numb patches
* Toenail infections or fungal growth
* Pain or difficulty walking

Prompt evaluation and treatment can mean the difference between healing and long-term damage.

 

 Take the First Step—Protect Your Feet for Life

Your feet are your foundation. Keeping them healthy means staying mobile, independent, and enjoying a better quality of life. If you have diabetes, now is the time to take control of your foot health.

Diabetic? Schedule a foot evaluation with one of our expert podiatrists today.

📞 Call (239) 430-3668
🌐 Visit NaplesPodiatrist.com
📍 With 9 convenient locations across Southwest Florida, care is always close by.

At FFLC, we don’t just treat feet—we keep you walking strong.

#DiabeticFootCare #FootHealthMatters #NaplesFL #FFLC #WeKeepYouWalking #PodiatristTips #DiabetesAwareness #HealthyFeet #WoundCare #PreventComplications #SouthwestFloridaCare

Serving Southwest Florida Since 2005, Family Foot & Leg Center has 9 convenient locations throughout Collier, Lee, Charlotte, and Sarasota Counties. Offering pediatric to geriatric family care: Ingrown Toenails, Heel Pain, Bunions, Foot / Ankle Arthritis Pain, Plantar Fasciitis, Foot / Ankle Surgery, Custom Orthotics, and Diabetic Wound Care. In office X-rays, ultrasounds, and minor surgical suite exam rooms. Practice powered by EMR and advanced technologies.

Home of the Lam Minimally Invasive No-Scar Bunion Surgery! Come Discover Why Patients Love Our 5-Star Foot & Ankle Care!

Same Day Appointments! Easy Online Appointment Scheduling.

Log in using patient portal

Schedule online