Foot care is essential for everyone, but it becomes crucial for diabetes patients. It is the primary preventive measure that protects against diabetes complications, such as foot ulcers and gangrene. (1)

Steps for Diabetic Foot Care

Whether a person with diabetes has been diagnosed recently or for a long time, here are some tips for taking care of foot health: (2)(3)


Check the feet daily

  • Examine the entire feet from the upper and lower sides.
  • Use a mirror or a family member to help see hidden places.
  • Look for any wounds, ulcers, strange spots, redness or other worrying signs.
  • Contact your doctor if you notice anything new or strange.


Wash your feet daily

  • Use warm water and gentle soap to wash the feet well.
  • Check the water temperature with your elbow before washing; to make sure it fits.
  • Dry your feet well after finishing, especially between the toes, and after every wash (including ablution).
  • Avoid soaking your feet at all.
  • Use a medical moisturizer to moisturize the feet after finishing, but avoid putting it between the toes. So that a fungal or bacterial infection does not develop in it.


Protecting the feet from injuries

  • Do not walk barefoot anywhere.
  • Wear medical shoes with a suitable size for your feet, and do not forget to wear socks as well.
  • Check shoes or sandals before wearing them; to make sure there are no stones or sharp objects inside.
  • Do not use any foot products, unless they are medical and the doctor has approved their use.
  • Keep feet away from the heater or greenhouse; to avoid any burns.


Cut nails regularly

  • Cut the nails straight, but without exaggeration so as not to accidentally hurt the foot.
  • Use a file to smooth the nails' edges and remove any sharp edges.
  • Avoid cutting or tampering with any skin tags.


Stay away from smoking

  • Smoking affects the health of diabetic feet and delays the healing of wounds and injuries.
  • Seek help from a doctor or accredited clinics to quit smoking.


Control blood sugar level

  • Managing blood sugar levels helps avoid or delay complications as much as possible.
  • It is important to adhere to the medications, treatments, and advice provided by your doctor, and consult them for any changes or adjustments to the treatment plan if the desired blood sugar levels are not achieved.


Stimulating blood circulation in the feet

  • Exercising regularly, but choosing safe, light sports on the feet, such as light walking, swimming, cycling, etc. (You should avoid walking if there are wounds or ulcers on the feet, until they heal completely)
  • Elevate the feet on a couch or table while sitting to give them rest.
  • Move the fingers in a circular motion for several minutes more than once a day. (4)


See your doctor once a year

  • In addition to daily foot inspection, a diabetes patient's feet should be examined in a doctor's office at least once a year.
  • More frequent foot exams may be necessary based on the doctor's recommendations. (4)
  • Consult a doctor immediately if concerning symptoms appear, including: (5)

○ A minor injury that gets worse over time.

○ Inflammation of the foot, such as discharge, redness, pain, or heat.

○ The appearance of cracks or ulcers in the feet, no matter how small.




Prioritize Your Foot Health! At Al-Ahli Hospital’s Endocrinology and Diabetes Clinic, our specialists provide comprehensive foot assessments and advanced care to help prevent complications and ensure your overall well-being. Book your appointment today for expert diabetic foot care.




References