This is doubly important if you have neuropathy, because you may not feel pain due to an injury or abnormality, such as shoes that don’t fit correctly. Check your feet every day for blisters, sores, ulcers, calluses, corns, or other visible problems. Check inside your shoes each time you put them on. Make sure that the lining is smooth and that there are no objects inside. See your provider or a foot specialist if you have any concerns. There is a lot you can do to protect your feet and legs.

Your diabetes care provider needs to examine your feet at each visit. Taking your shoes and socks off when you go into the exam room will be a good reminder for him or her. Once each year,  your feet should be examined more thoroughly.

Sensation will be tested with a monofilament and a tuning fork, and your provider will check your reflexes and pulses.

Keeping the blood flowing to your feet is an important aspect of foot care. To do this, take steps to lower high blood pressure and cholesterol levels. If you smoke, ask your health care team for help in quitting.

If a foot or leg infection is not treated, a part of the foot or leg may need to be removed to save the rest of it from being infected. Amputation is traumatic and is always the last resort.

The surgeon will remove as little of the limb as possible to make walking possible. After the limb heals, you will most likely be fitted with a prosthesis. Today, prosthetic limbs are lighter and more comfortable than the clunkier models of the past.

—
Martha M. Funnell, MS, RN, CDE
Michigan Diabetes Research and Training Center
University of Michigan Medical School
Ann Arbor, Michigan

Robert M. Anderson, EdD
Michigan Diabetes Research and Training Center
University of Michigan Medical School
Ann Arbor, Michigan

Shereen Arent, JD
National Director of Legal Advocacy
American Diabetes Association

American Diabetes Association Complete Guide to Diabetes