Diabetic Foot Care: A Complete Home & Professional Care Guide

Diabetes can lead to two key changes that significantly affect foot health:

Peripheral neuropathy: High blood sugar over time damages the nerves in your feet, reducing your ability to feel pain, temperature, and pressure. This means injuries, blisters, or pressure sores may go unnoticed until they become serious.

Peripheral vascular disease: Diabetes can reduce blood flow to your feet, slowing the healing process. Even minor cuts or cracks in the skin can develop into ulcers or infections when circulation is poor.

Together, these two factors mean that people with diabetes need to be proactive about foot care — not reactive. Regular monitoring and professional diabetic foot care can prevent the majority of serious complications.

Following a consistent daily routine is the foundation of diabetic foot health:

1. Inspect your feet every day

• Check the tops, bottoms, sides, heels, and between all toes
• Use a mirror or ask a family member to help if you have difficulty seeing the soles of your feet
• Look for cuts, blisters, redness, swelling, calluses, or colour changes

2. Wash your feet daily

• Use lukewarm water (test with your elbow or a thermometer — neuropathy may prevent you from feeling hot water)
• Use a mild soap and a soft cloth
• Dry thoroughly, especially between the toes — moisture between toes promotes fungal infections

3. Moisturize — but not between the toes

• Apply a fragrance-free moisturizer to the tops and bottoms of your feet to prevent cracked heels
• Avoid applying cream between the toes where excess moisture can cause maceration and fungal growth

4. Trim nails carefully

• Cut straight across and file sharp edges gently
• If you have difficulty trimming your own nails, or if you have thickened nails or poor circulation, have your chiropodist trim them at your nail care appointment

5. Wear appropriate footwear

• Never walk barefoot, even at home
• Choose well-fitting shoes with a wide toe box and adequate support
• Check inside your shoes before putting them on for foreign objects or rough seams

For more home care tips, read our article on how to care for diabetic feet at home.

Contact your chiropodist or healthcare provider promptly if you notice any of the following:

• An open wound, sore, or ulcer that is not healing
• Redness, warmth, or swelling — possible signs of infection
• Discharge, pus, or an unusual odour from a wound
• Darkening or discolouration of the skin (black, blue, or grey areas)
• Pain or cramping in your calves or feet during walking
• Loss of feeling or new tingling or burning sensations
• Sudden changes in the shape of your foot
• A fever accompanied by a foot wound

Do not attempt to treat wounds, calluses, or corns at home with over-the-counter medicated pads or sharp tools — these can cause burns or cuts that lead to serious infections in diabetic feet. Professional corn and callus treatment is the safe approach.

If you are concerned about a foot issue, our same-day appointments are available for urgent concerns.

The Canadian Diabetes Association recommends that people with diabetes have their feet assessed by a foot care specialist at least once a year — and more frequently if you have neuropathy, poor circulation, or a history of foot ulcers.

At Foot Forward Clinic, a diabetic foot assessment includes:

• Neurological screening — testing sensation with monofilaments and tuning forks to detect neuropathy
• Vascular assessment — checking pulses and capillary refill to evaluate circulation
• Skin and nail evaluation — identifying calluses, corns, fungal infections, or nail abnormalities that could lead to complications
• Foot structure assessment — checking for deformities, pressure points, and areas at risk for ulceration
• Risk classification — categorizing your risk level to determine the appropriate follow-up schedule
• Treatment — addressing any immediate concerns such as nail care, callus removal, or wound management
• Footwear and orthotic assessment — evaluating whether custom orthotics or specialized footwear would reduce your risk

Proper footwear is one of the most important preventive measures for people with diabetes:

What to look for in diabetic-friendly shoes:

• Deep toe box to avoid pressure on toes
• Seamless interior lining to prevent friction blisters
• Firm heel counter for stability
• Rocker-bottom sole to reduce pressure on the ball of the foot
• Adjustable closures (laces or velcro) to accommodate swelling

When custom orthotics help:

• Accommodative orthotics redistribute pressure away from high-risk areas
• They are made from softer materials than standard orthotics to protect sensitive feet
• Especially important if you have bony prominences, calluses over pressure points, or a history of ulcers

Read our complete guide: Custom Orthotics: Everything You Need to Know

For shoe recommendations related to heel pain — common in diabetic patients — see our guide to choosing shoes for plantar fasciitis.

The vast majority of serious diabetic foot complications are preventable with proper care:

• Control your blood sugar — well-managed glucose levels reduce the risk and progression of neuropathy and vascular disease
• Follow the daily care routine above — inspection, washing, moisturizing, and proper nail care
• Keep regular chiropody appointments — professional monitoring catches problems before they become serious
• Do not smoke — smoking significantly worsens peripheral circulation
• Stay active — regular walking improves circulation to your feet
• Manage other health conditions — blood pressure and cholesterol control also affect circulation
• Address foot problems early — never ignore a small wound, blister, or skin change

At Foot Forward Clinic, we work closely with your diabetes care team to ensure your feet stay healthy. Our clinic is located at 2389 Major MacKenzie Dr W, Unit 303 in Vaughan, serving patients from Maple, Woodbridge, Concord, and surrounding communities.

Book your diabetic foot assessment or call (647) 689-7533.