A daily foot check is a simple routine in which people living with diabetes look over their feet every day to spot changes in the skin, nails or colour early. Because diabetes can reduce feeling in the feet and affect circulation in some people, a small scratch, a blister or a rubbing shoe can easily go unnoticed. Spending a few minutes on a daily check helps you catch these changes in good time and pass them on to your doctor or podologist when needed.
Why do feet need extra attention with diabetes?
Over time, persistently high blood sugar can affect the nerves and small blood vessels. As a result, some people notice numbness or tingling in their feet, or find they feel pain less than before. When sensation is reduced, a small stone in a shoe or a blister caused by friction may not be felt at all.
Changes in circulation can also mean that minor wounds take longer to heal. On top of this, the skin on the feet often becomes drier and more prone to cracking. That is why experts generally advise people with diabetes to check their feet every day and to have regular preventive foot care. The aim is not to cause worry, but to notice small changes before they become bigger ones.
How to do a daily foot check
Doing your check at the same time each day, for example in the evening after you take your shoes off, makes it easier to turn it into a lasting habit. Here are the steps:
- Sit somewhere well lit: Use a comfortable chair in a bright room.
- Look at the tops of your feet: Check the colour of your toes and the top of the foot, and look for scratches or raised areas.
- Check the soles: If you find it hard to see the soles of your feet, place a mirror on the floor or ask someone to help.
- Look between your toes: Gently spread your toes and check for moisture, whitened skin, peeling or cracks.
- Examine your heels: Note any dryness, hard skin or cracks.
- Check your nails: Look for ingrowing, thickening, discolouration or dark areas under the nail.
- Use your hands: Feel for swelling or a noticeable difference in temperature between different areas of the foot.
- Check inside your shoes: Before putting them on, make sure there are no small objects, rough seams or tears inside.
A small notebook or a notes app on your phone can make this easier. Jotting down any change you notice, with the date and a short description, helps when you talk to your doctor or podologist. If poor eyesight or limited mobility makes it hard to examine your feet, doing the check with the help of a family member works well too.
What to look out for
- Cuts, scrapes, blisters or open wounds
- Redness, bruising or unusual paleness
- Swelling or an area that feels noticeably warmer
- Corns, hard skin or dark discolouration beneath it
- Damp, peeling or cracked skin between the toes
- Ingrown, thickened or discoloured nails
- Traces of blood or discharge on your socks
Everyday care habits
Washing and drying
Wash your feet every day with lukewarm water and a mild soap. As your feet may be less sensitive to heat, test the water temperature with your elbow or hand rather than your foot. Avoid soaking your feet for long periods. Afterwards, dry them carefully with a soft towel, especially between the toes, patting rather than rubbing.
Moisturising
To protect dry skin that tends to crack, apply a suitable moisturiser to the tops and soles of your feet. Do not put cream between your toes, as moisture trapped there can soften the skin. If you are unsure which product to use, ask your doctor or podologist.
Trimming your nails
Cut your nails straight across, not too short, and smooth any sharp edges gently with a nail file. If poor eyesight, thick nails or reduced feeling make trimming difficult, it is safer to ask a podologist rather than doing it yourself.
Socks and shoes
Choose breathable socks that are seamless or have flat seams, with cuffs that do not dig in, and change them every day. Your shoes should fit well, leave plenty of room for your toes and have nothing inside that rubs against your foot. Break in new shoes gradually by wearing them for short periods at first.
Things to avoid
- Walking barefoot at home, on the beach or around the pool
- Warming your feet with hot water bottles, heaters or hot water
- Cutting corns or hard skin yourself with razors, scissors or blades
- Using abrasive over-the-counter corn treatments without professional advice
- Popping blisters
- Waiting for a change to “just go away” once you have noticed it
Follow-up with your podologist and doctor
Foot health in diabetes is well supported when doctors and podologists work together. Experts generally recommend that people with diabetes have their feet thoroughly assessed by a doctor at regular intervals, at least once a year depending on their individual risk. Medical checks, such as testing sensation and circulation, are carried out by the doctor.
A podologist provides the preventive care that complements this follow-up: trimming nails safely, carefully reducing corns and hard skin, and advising on footwear and pressure points. If a change that may need medical assessment is noticed during care, you will be referred back to your doctor.
Frequently asked questions
How often should people with diabetes check their feet?
A daily check is generally recommended. A short, regular check is more useful than an occasional long one.
Can people with diabetes have a pedicure?
For people with diabetes, it is important that foot care is hygienic, uses sterile instruments and avoids damaging the skin. For this reason, podiatric care may be a better choice than a cosmetic pedicure.
My feet are always cold. What should I do?
Wearing thick, soft socks can help keep your feet warm. Avoid direct heat sources such as heaters or hot water bottles, and mention it to your doctor.
I have noticed a small wound on my foot. What should I do?
Keep the area clean, cover it with a clean dressing and contact your doctor soon. Even small wounds are worth having checked if you have diabetes.
Can I remove my own corns?
People with diabetes are advised not to remove corns themselves with cutting tools or abrasive products. Asking a podologist is a safer option.
When to see a doctor, and when to see a podologist
If you notice an open wound, discharge, spreading redness, marked swelling, a change in colour, warmth or a fever, contact your doctor promptly. These signs need to be assessed by a physician.
If you find it hard to trim your nails, if corns or hard skin are uncomfortable, or if you would like regular preventive care, you may wish to see a podologist. For preventive diabetic foot care in Ataşehir, we can put together a care plan with you that fits in with your doctor’s advice.
