How to Prevent Diabetic Foot Ulcers: 5 Daily Foot-Care Habits

Diabetic foot ulcers are a serious chronic wound that can lead to infection and even amputation if untreated. In Brookfield, WI (and everywhere), patients with diabetes must be proactive: good blood sugar control and daily foot care together greatly reduce ulcer risk. People with diabetes often have neuropathy or poor circulation, so they may not feel injuries. The good news is that daily self-care can catch small problems early. Medical sources like the Mayo Clinic, CDC, Cleveland Clinic, and ADA all stress practical, everyday foot habits to keep skin intact and avoid sores. Below we outline five key daily habits to prevent diabetic foot ulcers — strategies that local Brookfield patients and caregivers can easily follow, with help from area foot-care clinics if needed.

Zoom image will be displayed1. Inspect Your Feet Every Day

Make foot inspection a daily routine. Look closely at all surfaces of each foot (including between toes) for cuts, blisters, redness, swelling or other changes. Because neuropathy can make you less aware of pain or heat, using a mirror or asking for help is important. Experts recommend checking daily so you can spot minor injuries before they worsen. Use good lighting and sit in a comfortable chair. If you notice any sore, warm spot, or discolored area, report it promptly to a healthcare provider — early care can prevent an ulcer from developing. Cleveland Clinic notes that foot problems in diabetics often start as an unnoticed sore and quickly worsen; daily checks are the best defense. (The CDC likewise advises: "Check your feet every day for cuts, redness, swelling, sores, blisters, corns, or calluses.".)

2. Wash, Dry and Moisturize Your Feet Daily

Clean feet are healthy feet. Every day, wash your feet in warm, not hot, water with a mild soap. Soaking feet should be avoided, since it can over-dry skin. After washing, dry thoroughly, especially between the toes, to prevent fungal infections. Then apply a gentle moisturizer (creams or lotions) to the tops and bottoms of your feet to keep skin soft and prevent cracks. Do not put lotion between the toes, as excess moisture there can invite infection. Using a pumice stone on shower days to gently rub down hard callused areas is safe for most people, but avoid digging or cutting at calluses yourself. Mayo Clinic specifically advises using a pumice stone for calluses during washing. After moisturizing, you might apply a light dusting of talcum powder or cornstarch between toes if they tend to stay damp, to keep the skin dry. Consistent cleansing and moisture balance (not too dry, not too wet) prevents cracking and infection.

3. Wear Proper Shoes and Socks, Even at Home

Protect your feet by wearing well-fitting shoes and socks all day long, even indoors. Walking barefoot or in unsupportive slippers can easily cause cuts or pressure sores. Choose shoes that fit comfortably with plenty of room — avoid tight, narrow shoes or high heels that crowd toes. If your feet swell at day’s end, try new shoes in the evening when they’re largest. Always wear clean, dry socks made of cotton or moisture-wicking fibers; avoid socks with tight elastics or seams that press on the skin. Every time you put on shoes, check inside first for pebbles, folds or debris that could puncture or abrade your skin. In Brookfield’s cold winters or hot summers, also protect against temperature extremes: in cold months wear warm socks and insulated shoes, and in summer use sunscreen on feet if using sandals. One study notes that proper footwear and daily checks (such as shaking out shoes) are crucial to prevent ulcer-causing pressure points. If needed, ask your doctor about specialty "therapeutic" shoes or inserts designed for diabetic feet.

4. Trim Toenails and Treat Foot Issues Safely

Care for toenails carefully and avoid dangerous DIY fixes. Trim nails straight across, not too short, and smooth any sharp edges with a file. Cutting into the corners of nails can cause ingrown toenails, so file rather than angle the nail edges. If you can’t reach or see well, have a podiatrist or nurse trim your nails safely. Never cut corns, calluses or warts yourself. Both the Mayo Clinic and CDC warn against removing corns/calluses or using chemical wart treatments on diabetic feet. These methods can break the skin and allow infection. Instead, seek professional care: a podiatrist or wound nurse can treat thick nails, corns and calluses safely. In the meantime, ease thick skin with routine washing and gentle filing; do not use razors, blades or over-the-counter acid pads on your feet. Managing nails and skin health carefully prevents small injuries. (Local Brookfield podiatrists and clinics offer regular foot exams and nail care — ask about wound clinics or foot-care clinics if you struggle with self-care.)

5. Keep Feet Moving and Boost Circulation

Good blood flow speeds healing and guards against ulcers. Every day, do simple foot exercises: wiggle your toes, rotate your ankles, and take short walks or do foot stretches. Even sitting down, you can pump your ankles and wiggle toes to improve circulation. Cleveland Clinic advises elevating feet when sitting and wiggling toes often to maintain blood flow. Choose gentle, foot-friendly activities like walking, swimming, or bicycling (always wearing supportive shoes) — exercise encourages blood to circulate to the legs and feet. Be cautious: do not walk long distances if you already have sores, and consult your doctor about appropriate activity levels.

Equally important, manage your diabetes well every day. High blood sugar over time damages nerves and blood vessels, raising ulcer risk. Follow your meal plan, take medications, and monitor glucose as your doctor advises. Controlling blood sugar (and blood pressure/cholesterol) helps prevent neuropathy and poor circulation. Don’t smoke — smoking constricts blood vessels and slows healing. In sum, treat foot care as part of your overall diabetes routine. If you notice numbness, persistent itching, or color changes in your feet, bring them up at your next visit — early intervention can stop small issues from becoming ulcers.

Most of these habits are simple daily steps you can do at home. They complement regular medical care: see a healthcare provider or podiatrist at least once a year for a diabetic foot exam (more often if you have problems). In Brookfield, WI, you can work with local specialists — for example, the Saak Health Wound Care Clinic or area podiatrists — who emphasize these preventive foot-care measures. (Our parent blog "Types of Chronic Wounds and How to Treat Them" notes that foot ulcers are among the most common chronic wounds; implementing preventive foot-care habits can help avoid this chronic wound altogether.) Remember, most diabetes-related foot ulcers are preventable. By inspecting your feet daily, washing and moisturizing them, wearing proper footwear, trimming nails carefully, and keeping your circulation strong, you greatly reduce your risk of ulcers. These five habits — backed by Mayo Clinic, CDC, ADA, Cleveland Clinic and diabetes research — form a daily "foot-care checklist" that can keep Brookfield patients on their feet safely.

We at SAAK Health offer compassion and medical expertise at one place. It is a matter of pride for us to be able to offer a clinic that combines subspecialty care with certified seasoned physicians. Website:- https://www.saakhealth.com/