For individuals living with diabetes, daily foot care is more than a routine — it’s a critical part of preventing serious complications, infections, and even amputations. Diabetes can reduce sensation (neuropathy), affect circulation, and slow healing, making even small injuries potentially dangerous if unnoticed.

The good news? A simple daily foot check, done the right way, significantly reduces the risk of ulcers, infections, and long-term complications.

At Restore Foot & Ankle Specialists, we teach our patients how to check their feet correctly so they can stay healthy, mobile, and confident. Here’s everything you need to know.

Why Daily Foot Checks Are Essential for People With Diabetes

Diabetes can lead to:

• Peripheral neuropathy — loss of feeling in the feet

• Poor circulation — slower healing and higher infection risk

• Dry, fragile skin — prone to cracking

• Changes in foot shape — such as hammertoes or Charcot deformity

Because sensation is reduced, many patients don’t feel injuries like:

• Blisters

• Cuts

• Splinters

• Cracks

• Burn injuries

• Nail problems

• Pressure sores

Daily checks catch these problems early — before they become ulcers.

How to Perform a Daily Diabetic Foot Check

What You Need

• Good lighting

• A hand mirror or long-handled mirror

• A place to sit comfortably

If you struggle to bend, ask a family member or caregiver for help.

1. Check the Tops and Sides of Your Feet

Look for:

• Redness

• Swelling

• Shiny or tight-looking skin

• Cuts, scratches, or scrapes

• Bruising

• Changes in skin color

Even mild irritation can worsen quickly in diabetic skin.

2. Check Between Your Toes

Moisture between the toes can lead to fungal infections or sores.

Look for:

• Soft, mushy skin

• Red or white patches

• Peeling skin

• Cracks

• Odor

Gently pat (never rub) this area dry after bathing.

3. Examine Your Toenails

Nail issues are extremely common and can lead to infections.

Check for:

• Ingrown toenails

• Thickened or yellow nails (fungal infection)

• Redness or swelling around nail edges

• Nail cracks or splits

Never cut toenails too short or dig into corners.

4. Look at the Heels and Bottoms of Your Feet

Use a mirror to see the entire sole.

Watch for:

• Calluses

• Cracks (especially heel fissures)

• Blistered or hot spots

• Areas of pressure

• Open sores

These areas are the most common places diabetic foot ulcers develop.

5. Feel for Temperature Changes

Using the back of your hand, compare both feet for:

• Warm spots (possible infection/inflammation)

• Cold areas (possible circulation problems)

Temperature changes are important early warning signs.

6. Check for Changes in Shape

Structural changes can shift pressure and increase ulcer risk.

Look for:

• Collapsed arch

• Hammertoes

• Bunions

• Claw toes

• Widening or swelling

• Changes in alignment

If your foot shape is changing, see a podiatrist immediately.

7. Look for Signs of Infection

Seek care urgently if you notice:

• Red streaks

• Pus or drainage

• Foul odor

• Skin that’s hot to the touch

• Increasing pain (even mild)

In diabetic patients, infections can spread quickly.

8. Check Your Footwear Daily

Inside and out.

Look for:

• Debris inside the shoe

• Worn or uneven soles

• Rough seams

• Foreign objects

• Tight or rubbing areas

Small irritations from shoes can cause serious damage over time.

What to Do If You Find a Problem

Call a podiatrist immediately if you notice:

• Open sores

• Blisters

• Ingrown toenails

• Infection signs

• Sudden swelling

• Temperature differences

• Increasing redness

Do NOT:

• Pop blisters

• Cut your own calluses

• Use drugstore medicated corn pads

• Apply harsh chemicals

• Attempt “bathroom surgery” on nails

These can worsen wounds and increase infection risk.

Tips to Keep Your Feet Healthy Every Day

• Moisturize daily, but avoid between the toes

• Trim nails straight across

• Wear moisture-wicking socks

• Never walk barefoot

• Choose properly fitting diabetic-friendly shoes

• Control blood sugar levels

• Stop smoking — improves circulation

• Rotate footwear to reduce pressure points

When to See a Podiatrist Regularly

Patients with diabetes should have a podiatric exam at least once per year — and more often if they have:

• Neuropathy

• Vascular disease

• Foot deformities

• History of ulcers

• Callus buildup

• Thick or fungal nails

Regular professional care prevents ulcers, infections, and amputations.

The Bottom Line

A daily diabetic foot check is simple — but it’s one of the most powerful tools for preventing complications. By catching issues early, you protect your feet, preserve your mobility, and improve your long-term health.

At Restore Foot & Ankle Specialists, we provide expert diabetic foot evaluations, preventative care, and management for patients at all risk levels.

If you have diabetes, make your feet a priority. Schedule a comprehensive diabetic foot exam today — your health depends on it. Contact our office today with Dr. Gireesh Reddy or Dr. Sirisha Pokala by calling (469) 573-3427 or by booking an appointment online.