Diabetes Checklist: Check Your Feet and Check In With Us

If you have diabetes, there’s a to-do list of steps you can take to keep your feet healthy and happy. While it might seem overwhelming, one of the first steps to taking care of your feet is to look closely and carefully at each foot.

How often? Daily

Why? Things can change fast

Here at Westfield Foot and Ankle, we want you to know that you’re not doing all of the checking on your own. We’re here to help. While we ask that you do at-home checks, we also ask that you check in with us. We want to take a closer look at your feet and talk with you about any changes you may have noticed. 

Daily duties

As a patient with diabetes, your feet are at risk for complications. An unnoticed cut or bruise, for example, could later develop into an ulcer. You may also notice a loss of feeling in your feet.  

We recommend that you pick a consistent time of day to check your feet — perhaps when you get home from work or each night before bed. Take a close look at each foot, looking at the top and bottom, along both sides, around each toe, and between your toes.

Each day, look for anything new. This can be a cut or a bruise. Be sure to also watch for punctures and blisters.

Changes and care

Do you remember that odd-shaped stone you stepped on last week? You may have felt fine at the time, but you now have a bruise on the bottom of your foot that needs prompt attention. Missed changes are missed opportunities for early treatment.

If you discover a new bruise, cut or blister on your foot, don’t hesitate to act. Stay one step ahead of infection or other complications and contact a podiatrist. For patients who live in Westfield, IN, or the Hamilton County area, Dr. David R. Sullivan is here to help. He is a certified wound specialist, and he and his team can answer your questions. Schedule a visit today here or call (317) 896-6655.