Why Daily Foot Care Matters When You Have Diabetes
Diabetes can cause two significant problems in the feet: neuropathy (nerve damage that reduces sensation) and peripheral vascular disease (reduced blood flow). Together, these mean you may not feel injuries, and those injuries may be slow to heal.
Daily foot care is your first line of defence against complications. Combined with regular visits to a chiropodist for diabetic foot assessments, good habits at home can significantly reduce your risk of serious foot problems.
A Daily Foot Care Routine
Inspect your feet every day: Check the tops, bottoms, sides, and between your toes for cuts, blisters, redness, swelling, or any changes. Use a mirror to see the bottom of your feet if needed.
Wash and dry carefully: Wash feet daily in lukewarm water (test the temperature with your elbow, not your foot). Dry thoroughly, especially between the toes where moisture can lead to fungal infections.
Moisturize (but not between toes): Apply unscented moisturizer to prevent dry, cracked skin — but avoid applying between the toes.
Check your shoes before wearing: Feel inside shoes for pebbles, rough seams, or anything that could cause a wound.
What to Avoid
• Do not walk barefoot — even indoors, wear slippers to protect against injury • Do not cut corns or calluses yourself — see a chiropodist for safe removal • Do not use heating pads or hot water bottles — reduced sensation means burn risk • Do not use medicated corn pads — the acid in these products can damage diabetic skin • Do not smoke — smoking further reduces blood flow to the feet
When to Seek Help Immediately
Contact your chiropodist or healthcare provider if you notice:
• A wound or blister that is not healing • Signs of infection (redness, warmth, swelling, pus) • Change in skin colour (darker areas, pallor) • New numbness, tingling, or pain • Any break in the skin, no matter how small
Early intervention can prevent minor issues from becoming serious. At Foot Forward Clinic, we offer same-day appointments for urgent diabetic foot concerns.
Professional Diabetic Foot Care in Vaughan
In addition to daily home care, regular professional diabetic foot assessments are essential. Your chiropodist will test sensation, circulation, and skin integrity, and create a care plan to keep your feet healthy.
We serve patients throughout Maple, Woodbridge, Richmond Hill, and the greater Vaughan area. Book your assessment today.