Diabetic Foot Care
Caring For Your Feet with Diabetes
If you have diabetes, you may often have unique foot care needs because of complications related to your illness. The specialists at University Health’s Texas Diabetes Institute are leaders in preventing lower extremity complications. We prevent 85% of diabetic foot and leg amputations because of our top-of-the-line awareness of diabetic risk factors.
At the Texas Diabetes Institute, we provide care for podiatric problems from basic nail care to special shoes and wheelchairs. Our close work with orthotics, endocrinology, primary care, orthopedics and radiology lets us coordinate and maximize the most efficient care for you.
Without proper attention and care, you may experience these foot conditions if you have diabetes:
Calluses
If you have diabetes, calluses on your feet build up faster. They may get very thick, break down and turn into ulcers.
Foot Ulcers
These painful open sores may show up over the ball of your foot or on the bottom of your big toe. Neglecting ulcers causes infections and can lead to loss of limbs.
Poor Circulation
If you can’t get good circulation in your feet, then they’re less able to fight infection and heal. Diabetes causes vessels to narrow and harden. If your foot changes color, shape or just feels different, notify your physician right away.
Skin Changes
Dry feet, which cause peeling and cracking, can be a sign of diabetes.
Diabetic Foot Care Tips
- Keep blood sugar in control.
- Wash your feet every day.
- Dry carefully between your toes.
- Check your feet for sores, calluses, red spots, cuts, swelling and blisters.
- Never walk barefoot.
- At the first sign of infection or inflammation, see your physician.
