Diabetic Foot

Diabetic foot refers to foot problems that develop in people with diabetes — from numbness and dryness to ulcers, infection, and sometimes amputation. Good foot care and early medical attention can prevent the serious complications. In India, diabetic foot is a leading reason for prolonged hospital stays and lower-limb amputations.

Why diabetes affects the feet

• Neuropathy — long-standing high blood sugar damages nerves, reducing sensation; small cuts, blisters, or pressure points are not felt
• Peripheral artery disease — reduced blood flow slows healing
• Immune changes — higher vulnerability to infection
• Skin changes — dryness, cracking
• Foot-shape changes — over time, the foot arch can collapse (Charcot foot), changing pressure points

Warning signs

• Numbness, tingling, or burning in feet
• Changes in foot shape or colour
• Dry, cracked skin
• Corns or calluses
• Ingrown or thickened toenails
• Any cut, blister, or wound that isn't healing
• Redness, swelling, or warmth of the foot
• Foul-smelling discharge
• Fever with a foot wound

Any foot ulcer, wound, or sudden change in a person with diabetes is urgent — see a doctor the same day.

Daily foot care for people with diabetes

• Check your feet every day — top, bottom, between toes. Use a mirror if needed. If you can't, have a family member help.
• Wash feet daily in warm (not hot) water; dry well, especially between the toes
• Moisturise the top and bottom of feet — NOT between the toes (damp between toes encourages fungus)
• Don't walk barefoot, even indoors — small injuries go unnoticed. In India especially, watch out for thorns, hot surfaces, insects.
• Trim toenails straight across; don't cut into corners
• Wear well-fitting, cushioned shoes; break in new shoes gradually
• Check inside shoes before wearing (for small stones, insects)
• Cotton socks; change daily
• Don't use home remedies on cracks or corns; don't use hot water bottles, electric pads, or hot compresses on feet — you may not feel a burn
• Don't smoke — it makes circulation worse

Treatment of diabetic foot problems

Treatment depends on the problem:

• Ulcers — wound care, offloading (taking weight off the ulcer), treating infection, sometimes surgery
• Infection — antibiotics; drainage if pus; hospital care if severe
• Poor circulation — vascular assessment; may need angioplasty or bypass
• Deformities — custom footwear, sometimes corrective surgery
• Charcot foot — urgent offloading and specialist care
• Amputation — sometimes unavoidable, but early care prevents it in many cases

Get your feet examined by your doctor at every diabetes check-up — even if you feel fine. Early detection of numbness or circulation problems allows action before problems develop.