Foot care matters because diabetes can affect nerves and blood flow. When feeling is reduced, a blister, cut, burn, or pressure spot may go unnoticed until it becomes serious.
Quick summary
Daily checks are especially important for people with neuropathy, poor circulation, past ulcers, foot deformity, kidney disease, vision problems, or trouble reaching their feet.
Key takeaways
- Check feet every day if you are at risk.
- Look between toes, around nails, heels, soles, and pressure areas.
- Do not walk barefoot if you have reduced feeling or high-risk feet.
- A wound, burn, blister, or infection sign needs prompt care.
Daily foot routine
- Wash and dry feet, including between toes.
- Use a mirror or phone camera to see the soles.
- Look for redness, swelling, cuts, blisters, drainage, cracks, color change, or warmth.
- Wear shoes that fit and check inside shoes before putting them on.
- Ask for help trimming nails if you cannot see or reach safely.
When to call
Call your clinician promptly for a cut, blister, ulcer, ingrown nail, burn, new swelling, spreading redness, drainage, fever, black skin, or a foot that changes color or temperature.
Do not try home surgery on corns, calluses, or ingrown nails. High-risk feet need professional care.
Practical takeaway
Foot checks take minutes, but they can prevent weeks or months of trouble.
Safety note
This article is not a substitute for medical care. Seek urgent care for spreading infection, fever, black or blue skin, severe pain, sudden loss of feeling, or a wound with drainage or bad smell.
What to ask your care team
- Do I have neuropathy or poor circulation?
- How often should my feet be checked in clinic?
- Do I need podiatry, special shoes, or help with nail care?
Related reading
Source summary
- Your Feet and Diabetes, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Patient guidance. Accessed June 5, 2026. Source
- Diabetes and Foot Problems, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Patient guidance. Accessed June 5, 2026. Source
- Diabetic Neuropathy, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Patient guidance. Accessed June 5, 2026. Source
- Your Diabetes Care Schedule, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Patient guidance. Accessed June 5, 2026. Source