Diabetes Service - A guide to looking after your feet

How does a foot ulcer develop?

1.    High blood sugar levels
2.    Nerve damage and reduced blood flow affecting the feeling in your feet
 

3.    Poor hygiene and dry skin

4.    Poor fitting footwear.  Footwear should:

• Be wide fitting
• Have a deep toe area
• Be flat or low heeled
• Be secure fastening
• NOT be tight or loose fitting
• Have a cushioned sole

Wear light-coloured socks to make it easier to spot bleeding or fluid which, could indicate a wound
 

How to check your feet

1.    Remove your socks and shoes

2.    Feel the temperature of your feet. Both feet should feel the same. They should not be too hot or cold

3.    Look at your feet and check for dry skin, changes in colour, cracks, calluses, blisters, scabs, changes in shape

4.    Check between your toes for any broken or dry skin. Make sure your toenails are not too long or pressing into the skin

Top Tip - you can look at your feet using a mirror on the floor OR ask a relative or friend to check for you

Taking care of your feet everyday

1.    Wash your feet in warm water. Check the water with your elbow first to test the temperature (you can get nerve damage in your hands too). NEVER wash your feet in hot water

2.    Use a mild soap

3.    Dry your feet thoroughly. Make sure to dry between your toes!

4.    Use an emollient cream – apply this to the foot and heel. DO NOT apply between toes as this could cause the skin to go soggy and could lead to fungal infections

Signs something isn't right

Seek help and advice from a healthcare professional immediately if you have any concerns with your feet. Below are some signs which could suggest you are at risk of developing a foot ulcer



Tingling or numbness

Burning pain

Unusually hot or cold temperature OR feet that differ in temperature

Any breaks to the skin should be covered with a sterile dressing or plaster

Seek urgent advice and care if you develop any of the following:

• Sudden onset of pain and pain that disturbs sleep
• Sudden onset of temperature changes (hot or cold)
• Sudden onset of swelling or changes to the shape of the foot
• Open wounds, cuts, blisters, bruising or bleeding

Annual foot checks

As part of your diabetes care you should attend a annual foot check with your General Practitioner (GP) or podiatrist

Ask your nurse or GP to arrange your annual foot check appointment

At your annual foot check the healthcare professional will check for any numbness in your feet - you should tell them about any changes in sensation

The healthcare professional will check the blood flow in your feet and feel your pulses in your feet and ankles

Your footwear will also be checked to see if it is suitable and not at risk of causing any damage to your feet

Speak to your GP, podiatrist or district nurse if you notice any concerns with your feet

No worry is too small. Diabetic foot ulcers are serious and can develop quickly. DO NOT wait until your annual foot check!

Things you can do to reduce your risk of developing a foot ulcer

Check your feet every day or ask a family member or friend to check for you

Wash and moisturise your feet daily. Do not walk around with bare feet!

Eat a healthy balanced diet. Manage your diabetes well by seeking support from your GP or diabetes nurse

Stop smoking - if you smoke your GP could support you to stop.

Tip - Poor toenail care is a major cause of diabetic foot problems. For a guide on how to cut your toenails safely, access the NCA podiatry web page via the QR code where a video can be found showing you how to cut your toenails safely.

For more information on our services

Please scan the QR code below

For more information and guidance on how to look after your feet please see the useful links below.

• Diabetes UK– https://www.diabetes.org.uk/about-diabetes/ looking-after-diabetes/complications/feet
• Northern care alliance webpage and navigate to the podiatry page for your area – northerncarealliance.nhs.uk

A picture guide leaflet to empower patients with diabetes to look after their feet.

Inclusivity and delivery of information for a range of needs.

Designed for Oldham Care Organisation, Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust.

Designed, illustrated and created by: Nicole Barrett

With Credit to: Molly Gatley, for support with colouring and definition of images.