Introduction
Did you know that people with diabetes have up to a 25% lifetime risk of developing a foot ulcer? Even more concerning, diabetic foot complications are among the leading causes of lower-limb amputations in the U.S. The good news? Most of these complications are preventable with proper foot care—and by avoiding a few critical mistakes.
At Sole Foot and Ankle in Valparaiso, Indiana, we’re dedicated to helping patients with diabetic foot ulcer stay mobile, pain-free, and safe. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the top five mistakes to avoid in diabetic foot care, why they’re dangerous, and how to prevent serious complications.
Key Takeaways
- Walking barefoot can expose feet to injury and infection.
- Heat sources like hot water or heating pads can cause unnoticed burns.
- Cutting your own corns or calluses increases the risk of wounds.
- Minor injuries shouldn’t be ignored—early care prevents major issues.
- Daily foot checks are crucial but often skipped.
Understanding Diabetic Foot Care
When you have diabetes, high blood sugar can damage nerves (neuropathy) and blood vessels, reducing sensation and circulation in your feet. This makes it easier to get injured—and harder to heal. Because of this, diabetic foot care isn’t optional—it’s essential.
Neglecting proper foot care can lead to ulcers, infections, or worse—amputation. In fact, research shows that up to 85% of diabetes-related amputations begin with a foot ulcer. The key to avoiding these complications is prevention.
The Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid
1. Walking Barefoot
It might seem harmless to walk around your house barefoot, but for someone with diabetes, this is a major risk. Even small injuries like stepping on a tack, stubbed toes, or cuts from rough surfaces can go unnoticed due to nerve damage. These minor issues can escalate into infections or ulcers before you even feel discomfort.
What to do instead:
Always wear protective, well-fitting footwear—even indoors. Consider diabetic slippers or shoes designed to reduce pressure points and prevent injury.
2. Using Hot Water or Heating Pads
Because diabetic neuropathy reduces the ability to feel temperature, using hot water, heating pads, or electric blankets can result in burns that you don’t even feel. These burns can easily become infected.
What to do instead:
Use lukewarm water when washing your feet and always test it with your hands first. Never apply direct heat to your feet. To warm up cold feet, use socks instead of external heat sources.
3. Cutting Your Own Corns or Calluses
Using razors, scissors, or over-the-counter corn removers on your feet is a recipe for disaster. Even small nicks or abrasions can open the door to dangerous infections.
What to do instead:
Always have calluses, corns, or toenails trimmed by a podiatrist. At Sole Foot and Ankle, we provide safe, sterile care tailored for patients with diabetes.
4. Ignoring Foot Injuries or Infections
Because diabetes dulls pain, injuries might not seem serious—until they are. A blister or small cut can worsen quickly if not addressed. Waiting too long can lead to hospitalization or even surgery.
What to do instead:
Check your feet daily for cuts, redness, swelling, or signs of infection. If something doesn’t look right, call your podiatrist immediately. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
5. Skipping Routine Foot Checks
One of the biggest mistakes is not examining your feet regularly. Since complications can develop silently, many patients miss early warning signs.
What to do instead:
Make foot checks part of your daily routine. Use a mirror to check the bottoms of your feet or ask a loved one for help. Schedule regular visits with your podiatrist—even if you feel fine.
Choosing the Right Preventive Approach
When it comes to diabetic foot care, prevention is always more effective—and less expensive—than treatment. Following a foot care routine, wearing proper footwear, and seeing a podiatrist regularly can prevent most complications.
Here’s a simple prevention checklist:
| Preventive Habit | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Daily foot inspection | Catches problems early |
| Proper footwear | Prevents injuries and pressure points |
| Moisturizing (but not between toes) | Keeps skin healthy and less prone to cracking |
| Regular podiatrist visits | Allows professional monitoring and early action |
| Blood sugar management | Reduces risk of neuropathy and poor circulation |
A Note from Sole Foot and Ankle
If you or a loved one is managing diabetes, don’t leave foot health to chance. At Sole Foot and Ankle in Valparaiso, Indiana, we offer specialized diabetic foot care, wound treatment, and preventive care to help you stay on your feet—and stay ahead of complications.
Schedule an appointment today to get expert, compassionate foot care tailored to your needs. Your future self will thank you.
