Diabetes can have significant effects on the feet and pose serious risks. The two primary complications that can arise in relation to the feet are peripheral neuropathy and peripheral artery disease (PAD).

Circulation problems associated with diabetes can lead to various complications, including nerve damage and peripheral vascular issues in the extremities such as the feet and fingertips. This condition is commonly known as diabetic neuropathy and peripheral vascular disease.

One of the most concerning aspects of diabetic neuropathy is the loss of sensation or reduced ability to feel pain, particularly in the feet. This condition is referred to as diabetic peripheral neuropathy. When individuals with diabetes cannot feel the bottom of their feet properly, they may unintentionally injure themselves without realizing it. For example, they may step on a sharp object or develop blisters or sores that go unnoticed.

Regular foot checks are strongly recommended for individuals with diabetes as part of their daily routine. By inspecting the feet regularly, they can identify any signs of injury, infection, or other foot-related problems at an early stage. Here are some key points to consider for diabetic foot care:

1. Examine your feet daily: Inspect your feet thoroughly, including the soles, tops, sides, and between the toes. Look for any cuts, sores, redness, swelling, blisters, or other abnormalities.

2. Practice good foot hygiene: Wash your feet with lukewarm water and mild soap. Avoid soaking your feet for extended periods as it can dry out the skin. Pat your feet dry gently, paying attention to the areas between the toes.

3. Moisturize your feet: Apply a moisturizer to keep your feet hydrated, but avoid applying it between the toes as excessive moisture in that area can promote fungal growth.

4. Trim your toenails carefully: Cut your toenails straight across and avoid cutting too close to the skin to prevent ingrown nails.

5. Wear appropriate footwear: Choose well-fitting shoes that provide adequate support and protection for your feet. Avoid narrow or pointed-toe shoes. Check the inside of your shoes for any foreign objects before putting them on.

6. Protect your feet: Avoid walking barefoot, especially outdoors. Use comfortable and properly fitting shoes both inside and outside the house. Consider wearing socks or stockings to prevent friction and reduce the risk of blisters.

7. Manage blood sugar levels: Keeping your blood glucose levels within the target range can help prevent or delay the progression of diabetic neuropathy and reduce the risk of complications.

8. Regular check-ups: Visit your healthcare provider regularly for comprehensive foot examinations and to address any concerns you may have.

It is important to emphasize the significance of preventive foot care among people with diabetes to maintain foot health and prevent complications. If there are any signs of injury, persistent sores, infection, or other concerning symptoms, it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly.

Some of the things that you can do, of course, if using a specially-designed diabetic sock. In this case, it’s designed with reinforced toes and no seams and extra padding to help prevent pressure sores that might develop in your shoe. Hydration is also a very important part of diabetic foot care. We always make sure that we have enough care with the feet, otherwise we get cracking of the soles and the heels, most importantly, and they don’t heal quite as well if you’re diabetic.

If someone comes in with a diabetic sore, we always make sure that we refer to a specialist because their wounds heal quite a bit slower because of the circulation problems that can arise from diabetes.

If you do have more questions about your foot care, especially if you’re diabetic, you can, of course, see your pharmacist because there is a lot of knowledge and information available to you and products that can help you maintain and prevent further problems with your feet or any other related symptom associated with diabetes.

Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that occurs when there is nerve damage, commonly affecting the feet and legs in people with diabetes. It can lead to a loss of sensation, making it difficult to detect injuries such as cuts, blisters, or ulcers. Without prompt treatment, these wounds can become infected and develop into more severe complications.

Reduced blood flow, known as peripheral artery disease, is another concern for individuals with diabetes. Elevated blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels, leading to narrowing and reduced circulation in the extremities, particularly the feet. Poor blood flow hampers the healing process and makes it harder for the body to fight off infections.

When a person with diabetes experiences a foot injury or ulcer, the lack of sensation and impaired blood flow can contribute to delayed healing and an increased risk of infection. In severe cases, non-healing ulcers may progress to gangrene, which can result in the need for amputation.

To minimize the risks associated with diabetes and foot health, it is crucial for individuals with diabetes to take diligent care of their feet. Here are some recommendations:

1. Inspect your feet regularly: Check your feet daily for any signs of injury, such as cuts, blisters, redness, or swelling. Use a mirror or ask someone for assistance if you have difficulty seeing the soles of your feet.

2. Maintain good foot hygiene: Wash your feet daily with warm water and mild soap. Dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes.

3. Moisturize your skin: Apply a moisturizer to prevent dryness and cracking, but avoid applying it between the toes as excessive moisture can promote fungal infections.

4. Trim nails carefully: Cut your toenails straight across and avoid cutting them too short to prevent ingrown toenails.

5. Wear comfortable and protective footwear: Choose shoes that fit well, provide adequate support, and do not cause friction or pressure points. Consider diabetic shoes or orthotic inserts if necessary. Avoid walking barefoot to prevent injuries.

6. Control blood sugar levels: Maintaining good blood sugar control helps minimize the risk of nerve damage and blood vessel complications.

7. Regular foot examinations: Schedule regular foot check-ups with a healthcare professional who can evaluate your foot health, identify any potential problems, and provide appropriate advice and treatment.

If you have diabetes and experience any foot issues, it is important to seek medical attention promptly. Early detection and treatment can prevent complications and ensure optimal foot health.

Diabetes can have significant effects on the foot. Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can lead to decreased circulation and sensation in the feet. These conditions can impair the foot's ability to heal properly, making foot care particularly crucial for individuals with diabetes.

The reduced circulation associated with diabetes can result in poor blood flow to the feet. This diminishes the delivery of essential nutrients and oxygen to the tissues, hindering the healing process. Additionally, decreased sensation in the feet, known as diabetic neuropathy, is a common complication of diabetes. Over time, the nerve damage can worsen, further impairing sensation and making it difficult to detect injuries or wounds.

Proper foot care is essential for individuals with diabetes, and it is advisable to seek assistance from healthcare professionals trained in managing diabetic foot complications. These specialists, such as podiatrists or foot care nurses, have expertise in treating the unique challenges presented by diabetes.

When it comes to sensation changes, the decreased feeling in the feet can make it more challenging to identify issues like blisters, cuts, or sores. Therefore, it is crucial to work with professionals who can assist in selecting well-fitting shoes and appropriate insoles, if necessary. They can help ensure proper footwear that minimizes the risk of foot injuries and provides necessary support and cushioning.

Regular foot examinations, diligent hygiene practices, wearing protective footwear, and promptly addressing any foot problems are essential steps in maintaining foot health for individuals with diabetes. Consulting a healthcare professional who specializes in diabetic foot care can provide personalized guidance and assistance in managing this aspect of the condition effectively.

.  A local chiropractor may work with your local massage therapist and your local physiotherapist to create the best health or rehabilitation plan for your situation. 

In terms of the shoe you want to make sure there’s no seams on the inside of the shoe to irritate the top of the foot, and in terms of the insole you want to make sure that it’s distributing the pressure across the bottom of the foot.

If there are any bony prominences there that are going to be prone to breakdown, that you have a little bit of an accommodation in the area of the prominence, just to even the pressure out through the bottom of the foot.