11 Ways to Stop Diabetes from Hurting Feet
November is National Diabetes Month, a time devoted to understanding this disease and its effects on your body. So, is diabetes hurting your feet? When you have diabetes, even small foot conditions can cause major problems. That’s why the American Diabetes Association has launched the Amputation Prevention Alliance. (More about that in a moment.) And that’s also why you need to include an experienced podiatrist on your diabetic care team.
At our Spring and Tomball, TX podiatric offices, we’ve really focused on diabetic foot care. We help protect our diabetic patients from complications. These include foot infection, foot ulcers, and damage caused by poor circulation.
Our podiatrists can also watch your feet to detect potential nerve damage (neuropathy.) In fact, we use a computerized sensory test that discovers even minor damage. Because we catch issues sooner, we can help you prevent serious foot damage.
Diabetes Hurting Feet: Neuropathy 
We can also help you find pain relief for neuropathy. That neuropathy numbness and tingling, or that burning in your feet? We can treat it with a proven technique called peripheral nerve decompression. This is a revolutionary procedure. It can restore your nerve function even after they’ve become swollen and compressed.
We’re especially proud of this neuropathy treatment. Dr. Brad Bachmann was one of the first surgeons in America to learn this advanced procedure. And he is one of just five Houston area surgeons who can perform this advanced procedure.
Our podiatrists train for diabetic patients, offering the best care and pain relief. As one patient recently shared: “I have used Dr. Bachmann for many years… He is easy to talk to and doesn’t rush you out of the office so that all your questions are answered. I developed type II diabetes several years ago. So he sees me now to make sure there are no problems and I have a chronic skin condition on my left foot that we keep watch on. He’s the best and I recommend him to all my friends and family.”
That’s how we approach diabetes foot care in the office. Now let’s review how you can protect your diabetic feet at home.
Diabetes Hurting Feet: Preventing Amputation
According to the ADA, in 2021, there were over 154,000 amputations related to diabetes in the United States—and that’s 75% more than there were 10 years ago. Equally troubling, amputations in the United States are far more likely to occur among people of color. It seems that, in this country, keeping or losing your limb amputated has too much to do with the color of your skin, how much money you make, or where you live. As such, they’re launching the Amputation Prevention Alliance, designed to spread diabetic care information, especially in communities at risk. And we’re ready to help them by sharing more ways in which you can stop diabetes from hurting your feet, all from the comfort of your home.
Caring for Diabetic Feet at Home
Home foot care can keep nerve damage and bad circulation from causing complications.
While many diabetics face amputations, these easy tips can lower your risk dramatically!
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Do a daily foot check.
If you have nerve damage, you may not feel an injury. So look at your feet every day, checking for cuts, blisters, redness, swelling or nail problems. You can use a mirror to examine the bottom of your feet. Or ask a loved one for help. And if you see anything different, it’s time to come into your podiatrist’s office.
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Carefully clean feet.
Every day, wash your feet with a soft cloth or sponge. Never use hot water–lukewarm is best. And always dry your feet when you’re done. Make sure to get into those areas between your toes to avoid foot fungus down the road.
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Moisturize every day.
This will help prevent itchy, cracked feet. But don’t apply moisturizer between your toes.
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Practice safe nail trimming.
Cut your nails straight across and file the edges. Never go too short, or too round, since this ups your risk for an ingrown toenail. And if you’re anxious about nail cutting, come into the office for a safe and clean pedicure. We have a trained technician who performs safe diabetic nail trimming.
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See your podiatrist for corns or calluses yourself.
Over the counter products aren’t safe for diabetic feet.
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Choose the right socks.
Change them every day and make sure they’re dry. Special diabetic socks are available. They’re made from sweat-wicking materials. And often have padding to protect your feet from bumps and bruises.
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Check your shoes and give them a shake.
This is very important, since you might not feel a rock that’s stuck in your shoe. And an undetected pebble could cut up your feet and leave you open to infection.
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Don’t go barefoot.
Even in your own house. The risk of cutting or bumping your feet is just too high.
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Maintain your blood sugar.
The better you control your diabetes, the lower your risk for complication. As blood sugar rises, your risk for peripheral neuropathy and Charcot foot also rises.
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Quit smoking
since nicotine restricts blood flow to your feet.
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See your podiatrist regularly.
Aim for once or twice each year for a comprehensive diabetic foot exam. Or more often, if you notice any problems during your daily foot checks.
Need more help caring for your diabetes? Our trained podiatrists are here to help relieve the pain of numb, burning feet. Even during the COVID-19 outbreak, you must visit your podiatrist regularly: even one missed appointment could lead to a diabetic amputation. Don’t let that happen to you: schedule your diabetic foot check today with our team. Pain relief is right around the corner!
Sources: American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, American Podiatric Medical Association