Your screening and assessment have shown that there is a moderate risk of developing foot ulcers. The podiatrist will highlight your individual risk factors. These include:
- some lost feeling in the feet, known as neuropathy
- reduced circulation in the feet, known as ischaemia
- hard skin on your feet
- alteration of foot shape
Diabetes is a lifelong condition, which can cause foot problems. Some of these problems can occur because the nerves and blood vessels supplying the feet are damaged. This can be gradual and unnoticeable.
If your feet are in good condition, you may not need regular podiatry treatment.
If you follow the simple advice in this leaflet, you should be able to carry out your own foot care, unless you develop a specific problem.
It is essential to receive a foot screening and assessment from your GP Practice each year.
Good control of glucose, cholesterol and blood pressure help reduce the risk of developing further complications in the leg and foot. Smoking affects the circulation and can lead to amputation, seek advice on how to quit. The advice and information in this leaflet aim to reduce problems in the future.
Early warning signs, red flags
Check your feet daily for any blisters, breaks in the skin, pain or any signs of infection such as swelling, heat or redness. If you are unable to do this, ask your partner, a friend or carer to help you or use a mirror.
Foot ulcers can start as a blister, bruised hard skin or standing on a sharp object. If you wear light coloured socks, any bleeding from a new wound will be more easily discovered.
If you develop a high temperature, or feel hot and shivery you may be developing a serious spreading infection requiring urgent treatment via the emergency department at hospital.
Wash your feet every day in warm water and with a moisturising wash. Rinse and dry thoroughly, especially between the toes. Do not soak your feet as this can dry the skin. If nerve damage is present, you may be unable to feel differences in temperature. Bath water should be tested with a bath thermometer, or ask someone else to test it.
Toenails
File toenails twice weekly away from you. Follow the curve of the nail and make sure that there are no sharp edges. Do not cut down the sides of your nails as you may create a spike of nail which could result in an ingrown toenail.
Moisturise your feet every day
If your skin is dry, apply a moisturising cream daily, avoid the areas between the toes. Avoid scented creams as these cause dryness.
Socks, stockings and tights
Change your socks or tights every day. Avoid bulky seams, wear them inside out to prevent pressure. Hosiery top should not be to tight. Cotton, wool or bamboo fibre are recommended.
Avoid walking barefoot
Walking barefoot increases the risk of injury to feet by stubbing toes or standing on sharp objects, which can damage the skin. Please ensure you wear a good fitting shoe or slipper with a fastener.
Check your shoes
Check the bottom of your shoes before putting them on to make sure that nothing sharp such as a pin, nail or glass has pierced the outer sole. Also check inside each shoe for small objects and that there are no signs of wear or creased linings.
Badly-fitting shoes
Are the main cause of irritation or damage to feet. A health professional will assess your feet and give you advice about correctly fitting footwear.
Minor cuts and blisters
Check your feet daily using a mirror if needed. Any breaks in the skin, minor cuts or blisters should be covered with a sterile dressing. Do not burst blisters. Contact a health professional immediately if you have any concerns.
Hard skin and corns
A health and care professions council podiatrist can provide treatment and advice on self care where necessary
Over-the-counter treatments
Never use over-the-counter treatments, for example, corn, verruca treatments, as they contain acid which can cause burns.
Avoid high or low temperatures
Wear socks if your feet are cold; never sit with your feet in front of heaters. Always remove hot water bottles or heating pads from your bed before getting in.
Further information
- Podiatry foot protection service
- Royal college of podiatry (opens in new window)
- Diabetes UK (opens in new window)
Contact Doncaster podiatry foot protection service
Cantley Health Centre
Middleham Road
Cantley
Doncaster
South Yorkshire
DN4 6ED
- Phone: 03000 211550
- Email: rdash.podiatryreferrals@nhs.net
Document control
- Document reference: DP7062/07.17.
- Date reviewed: June 2024.
Page last reviewed: August 27, 2024
Next review due: August 27, 2025
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