Diabetic Foot Care: Why It Matters and How to Protect Your Feet
If you have diabetes, looking after your feet is one of the most important things you can do for your long-term health. Diabetes can affect the blood supply and nerve function in your feet, which means problems can develop more easily and heal more slowly — sometimes without you even noticing.
The good news is that most diabetes-related foot complications are preventable with regular care, daily checks and professional support. In this guide, we'll explain why diabetes affects your feet, what to watch for, and how to keep your feet healthy.
How Does Diabetes Affect Your Feet?
Over time, raised blood sugar levels can damage both the nerves and the blood vessels in your feet. This creates two key risks:
Peripheral Neuropathy (Nerve Damage)
Diabetes can damage the small nerves in your feet, causing a condition called peripheral neuropathy. This may result in:
Loss of sensation — you may not feel cuts, blisters, pressure sores or burns
Tingling, pins and needles, or a burning sensation
Numbness in the toes or feet
Changes in foot shape over time (e.g. claw toes, collapsed arches)
When you can't feel pain in your feet, injuries can go unnoticed. A small cut or blister that would normally prompt you to act can develop into a serious wound if left untreated.
Reduced Blood Supply
Diabetes can also narrow and harden the blood vessels that supply your feet. Reduced blood flow means:
Cuts, sores and infections take longer to heal
The skin may become dry, thin and more fragile
Your feet may feel cold or look pale or bluish
The immune response at the wound site is weaker
The combination of reduced sensation and poor circulation is what makes diabetic foot problems particularly serious. An unnoticed wound with slow healing can lead to infection, ulceration, and in the worst cases, amputation. However, with proper care and monitoring, these complications are largely preventable.
Warning Signs to Watch For
Check your feet every day — ideally at the same time, such as before bed. Use a mirror or ask someone to help if you can't easily see the soles of your feet. Contact your GP, foot protection team or foot care specialist promptly if you notice:
Any new cuts, blisters, sores or wounds — especially if they're not healing
Redness, warmth or swelling around a wound
Changes in skin colour (pale, dark, red or blue patches)
Hard skin or calluses building up — these can hide ulcers underneath
Corns — do not attempt to treat these yourself if you have diabetes
Changes in foot shape or new areas of pressure
Discharge, pus or an unpleasant smell from any wound
Tingling, numbness or a loss of sensation that's new or worsening
Ingrown toenails or thickened nails
Cracked, very dry skin — especially on the heels
Daily Foot Care Routine
Building a simple daily routine is the best way to protect your feet. Here's what we recommend:
Wash and Dry Carefully
Wash your feet daily in warm (not hot) water. Don't soak them — prolonged soaking can soften the skin and increase the risk of damage. Dry thoroughly, especially between the toes, where moisture can lead to fungal infections.
Moisturise
Apply a good moisturising cream to the tops and soles of your feet to prevent dry, cracked skin. Avoid applying cream between the toes, as this area needs to stay dry.
Check Daily
Inspect your feet every day for any changes — cuts, blisters, redness, swelling, colour changes, or areas of hard skin. If your eyesight or mobility makes this difficult, ask a family member to help or use a mirror.
Nail Care
Cut toenails straight across and file any sharp edges gently. Do not cut down the sides of the nail, as this increases the risk of ingrown toenails. If your nails are thick, difficult to cut, or if you have reduced sensation, have them cut professionally.
Footwear
Wear well-fitting shoes with enough room for your toes
Check inside your shoes before putting them on — feel for stones, rough seams or anything that could cause a pressure point
Avoid walking barefoot, even at home — you could step on something without feeling it
Break in new shoes gradually
Wear clean socks daily, preferably cotton or moisture-wicking material
What NOT to Do
If you have diabetes, avoid the following:
Do not use corn plasters, medicated pads or sharp instruments on your feet — these can damage the skin
Do not attempt to remove hard skin or calluses yourself — see a professional
Do not use hot water bottles or heating pads on your feet — reduced sensation means you could burn yourself without realising
Do not ignore even minor foot problems — what seems small can escalate quickly
Do not smoke — smoking reduces blood flow to the feet and significantly increases your risk of complications
Professional Foot Care for People with Diabetes
Everyone with diabetes should have an annual foot check as part of their diabetes care — this is available free on the NHS. The check assesses your circulation, sensation and skin condition, and determines your level of risk.
In addition to your NHS checks, regular professional foot care can make a real difference. At Finest Feet Footcare in Shifnal, we can:
Safely cut and care for your toenails
Remove hard skin and calluses without risk of injury
Monitor for early signs of nerve damage or circulation problems
Advise on footwear and moisturising routines
Provide prompt attention to any wounds, cuts or skin changes
We recommend that people with diabetes have professional foot care appointments every 8 to 12 weeks, depending on their level of risk. Regular visits allow us to spot and address small problems before they become serious.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I have my feet checked if I have diabetes?
You should have an annual NHS foot check as part of your diabetes review. In addition, we recommend professional foot care every 8 to 12 weeks — more frequently if you have neuropathy, circulation problems or a history of foot ulcers. Daily self-checks at home are essential.
Can I cut my own toenails if I have diabetes?
If you have good sensation in your feet, good eyesight and your nails are a normal thickness, you can carefully cut your own nails — straight across, not too short. However, if you have any neuropathy, thickened nails, or reduced circulation, it's much safer to have them cut professionally.
What should I do if I find a cut or wound on my foot?
Clean the wound gently with warm water, cover it with a sterile dressing, and monitor it closely. If there are any signs of infection — redness, warmth, swelling, discharge or an unpleasant smell — contact your GP, foot protection team or our clinic promptly. Do not ignore wounds that are slow to heal.
Is it safe to have a pedicure if I have diabetes?
A standard salon pedicure carries risks for people with diabetes, particularly if sharp instruments are used or hygiene standards are not clinical-grade. A Medi Pedi at Finest Feet Footcare is a much safer alternative — it's carried out by a qualified foot care specialist in a clinical environment, so you get the cosmetic benefit without the risk.
Book Diabetic Foot Care in Shifnal
Your feet carry you through life — and if you have diabetes, they need a little extra attention. At Finest Feet Footcare in Shifnal, we provide safe, professional foot care tailored to the needs of people with diabetes.
We serve patients from Shifnal, Telford, Newport and across Shropshire.
💚 Book your appointment at Finest Feet Footcare in Shifnal → — protecting your feet starts here.
Disclaimer: This article is general information and not a substitute for a clinical assessment. If you have diabetes and are concerned about your feet, please also consult your GP or diabetes care team.
Phone: 01952 872526
Email:finestfeetfootcare@gmail.com
Opening Hours: Mon–Fri 9 am–5 pm, Sat by appointment
Book your appointment today – call us or email to schedule. Your feet deserve the finest care!
