Diabetic Foot Ulcer Prevention: Daily Tips from a Sydney Podiatrist
Living with diabetes requires extra attention to your overall health — especially your feet. Even a small blister or cut can develop into a diabetic foot ulcer if left untreated, leading to pain, infection, or even more serious complications. Fortunately, with the right care routine and regular visits to a podiatrist for diabetes, you can prevent ulcers and keep your feet healthy.
At Sydney Podiatry, we see many patients with diabetes who are unaware of how crucial daily diabetic foot care can be. Below, our podiatrists share practical, everyday tips to help you reduce your risk of developing foot ulcers.
1. Inspect Your Feet Daily
A simple but powerful habit is to check your feet every day. Look for redness, swelling, blisters, cuts, or changes in skin colour. Because diabetes can cause nerve damage (neuropathy), you might not feel pain even if an injury occurs.
Use a mirror to check the soles of your feet or ask a family member to help. Detecting small problems early allows you to seek foot ulcer treatment before it worsens.
Pro tip: Make foot inspection part of your daily routine — for instance, after a shower or before going to bed.
2. Keep Feet Clean and Dry
Clean feet are healthy feet. Wash your feet daily in warm (not hot) water with mild soap, then dry them carefully, especially between the toes. Moisture between toes can lead to fungal infections that may escalate to ulcers.
After drying, apply a moisturiser to the tops and bottoms of your feet to prevent dryness and cracking, but avoid applying lotion between the toes, where excess moisture can cause infection.
3. Choose the Right Footwear
Wearing proper shoes is vital in preventing a diabetic foot ulcer. Poorly fitted footwear can cause pressure points, friction, and blisters that can turn into open sores.
Always choose shoes that:
- Fit well (not too tight or loose)
- Have soft insoles and good support
- Leave enough room for your toes to move
If you’re unsure about what shoes are best for you, a podiatrist for diabetes can assess your feet and recommend specialised diabetic footwear or custom orthotics.
4. Manage Blood Sugar Levels
Good blood glucose control plays a major role in diabetic foot care. High blood sugar levels can slow healing and reduce blood flow, making your feet more prone to infection.
Work closely with your healthcare team to keep your blood sugar within your target range. Balanced nutrition, medication, and regular exercise can all help you maintain proper circulation and reduce nerve damage.
5. Trim Nails Carefully
Toenails should be trimmed straight across and filed smooth to prevent ingrown toenails — a common issue that can lead to infection.
If you have trouble seeing or reaching your feet, or if your nails are thickened or brittle, avoid trimming them yourself. Instead, schedule regular nail care with a podiatrist for diabetes who can safely manage this for you.
6. Never Ignore Foot Pain or Changes
Any new pain, swelling, or change in colour or temperature in your feet should never be ignored. These may be early signs of infection, poor circulation, or the beginning of a diabetic foot ulcer.
If you notice:
- A wound that doesn’t heal after a few days
- Discharge or odour
- Blackened tissue
- Numbness or tingling
See a podiatrist for diabetes immediately. Early foot ulcer treatment can prevent more serious complications, including hospitalisation or surgery.
7. Avoid Walking Barefoot
Even indoors, always wear socks or slippers. Walking barefoot increases your risk of cuts, burns, or puncture wounds that can go unnoticed due to reduced sensation in diabetic feet.
Choose seamless, cotton socks that keep your feet dry and comfortable. Avoid tight elastic bands that can restrict circulation.
8. Maintain Regular Podiatry Appointments
Preventing a diabetic foot ulcer requires teamwork. Regular check-ups with your podiatrist are essential for early detection of risks such as calluses, deformities, or reduced sensation.
At Sydney Podiatry, we provide comprehensive diabetic assessments that include:
- Circulation and nerve testing
- Pressure area checks
- Professional foot cleaning and nail care
- Personalised diabetic foot care advice
These proactive visits help detect problems early — before they become ulcers.
9. Manage Calluses and Corns Professionally
Never attempt to cut or shave calluses or corns yourself. Using blades or harsh chemicals can damage your skin and lead to open wounds.
A podiatrist can safely remove them and provide proper footwear advice to prevent recurrence. Remember — self-treatment can often make things worse for diabetic feet.
10. Keep Active for Better Circulation
Regular, low-impact activities like walking, swimming, or cycling can boost blood flow and keep your legs and feet healthy.
Before starting a new exercise program, check with your doctor or podiatrist for diabetes to ensure it’s suitable for your condition. Always wear supportive shoes during physical activity to prevent friction or injury.
When to Seek Immediate Help
If you suspect an ulcer or infection, don’t wait. Seek immediate foot ulcer treatment if you notice:
- Open sores or wounds
- Increasing pain or swelling
- Pus or foul smell
- Skin turning black or blue
Timely care from a podiatrist can prevent infection from spreading and protect you from serious complications.
Your Partner in Diabetic Foot Care – Sydney Podiatry
Diabetes may increase your risk of foot complications, but it doesn’t have to define your mobility or comfort. With the right diabetic foot care routine, vigilance, and expert podiatric support, you can keep your feet strong and healthy for years to come.
At Sydney Podiatry, we specialise in diabetic foot assessments, ulcer prevention, and foot ulcer treatment. Our team understands the unique challenges that come with diabetes and offers tailored care plans to protect your feet.
Book your diabetic foot assessment today at Sydney Podiatry and take the first step toward safer, healthier feet.
