Strategies for Alleviating Diabetic Foot Pain

If you are diabetic, you know that taking care of your feet is so important. Sometimes, though, diabetic foot pain may seem unavoidable. How can you go about your daily routine comfortably and safely? Let us look at the reasons for diabetic foot pain and some strategies for relieving it.

Why Does Diabetes Cause Foot Pain?

Diabetes is a serious chronic disease affecting the body’s ability to produce or use insulin effectively. Diabetes causes high blood sugar levels which, over time, damage nerves and blood vessels in the lower extremities. As a result, people with diabetes may experience foot pain due to diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage), peripheral artery disease (blood vessel damage), deformity, infection, ulcers, and more.

Strategies for Alleviating Diabetic Foot Pain

Complications from diabetes are not inevitable. Your foot specialist can recommend many ways to keep your feet healthy and avoid pain and other problems, such as numbness and tingling, which can impact your comfort level and daily routines. Some of these strategies include the following:

1. Maintaining Good Blood Sugar Control

A diabetic foot will look, function, and feel better when blood sugars remain within a healthy range. Work closely with your primary care physician or diabetes specialist to arrive at the right nutrition, hydration, medication, and exercise plan to maintain healthy blood glucose levels.

2. Daily Foot Inspections and In-Office Exams

Make it a habit to inspect your feet daily for any changes, such as cuts, bruises, blisters, or redness. Note any variations in color or skin texture, as well as deformities in nails, toes, and the foot itself. Inform your foot and ankle doctor promptly about any changes you see.

Routine podiatric examinations with a qualified foot and ankle specialist are must-haves for the diabetic. The doctor will examine your feet and ankles, not only to address any current problems but also to help you prevent future ones. See your podiatrist annually or as often as your doctor recommends.

3. Proper Foot Care

Keeping your feet clean and dry is essential for preventing infections and other issues that may lead to foot pain. Use mild soap and warm water to wash your feet daily, and make sure to dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes.

Apply moisturizer every day and have your foot specialist trim your toenails and remove any corns or calluses. It is also important to never perform any at-home procedures on yourself as this can lead to painful foot infections.

4. Wearing Well-Fitting Shoes

Select leather-topped shoes with wide toe-boxes. Make sure they fit comfortably and have good arch supports. Change your shoes daily to give each pair time to air out.

Avoid wearing high heels or tight-fitting shoes for long periods. Also, wear socks made of breathable materials, such as cotton or moisture-wicking fabrics, to help keep your feet dry and prevent blisters.

Never go barefoot—even indoors. Wear shower sandals poolside or in gym locker rooms to avoid developing athlete’s foot.

Finally, your podiatrist may prescribe customized shoe orthotics or a diabetic walking foot. Orthotics are shoe inserts that provide the cushioning and protection your feet may need, particularly if you struggle with painful sores or deformities. They also help correct gait issues and improve balance so you move more efficiently and comfortably. Alternatively, a walking boot helps to offload weight from diabetic foot ulcers and deformities.

5. Regular Exercise

Regular exercise increases the circulation in the feet and lower legs, reducing the risk of conditions such as peripheral artery disease.

Try low-impact activities, such as walking, swimming, or cycling, which are gentle on your feet. While not strenuous, these activities will provide enough movement to increase circulation and strengthen bones, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and nerves.

Learn More About Diabetic Foot Pain in O’Fallon, MO

At Advanced Bone and Joint, our board-certified foot and ankle surgeons are Dr. Jeffrey Boberg and Dr. Anthony Lombardo. They help scores of people avoid and/or treat diabetic foot pain due to neuropathy, deformities, ulcers, and more.

Learn more about how we can help you manage your diabetic foot pain by contacting our office team for a consultation. Call us today at (636) 229-4222 or request an appointment at our St. Peters or O’Fallon offices here. We look forward to helping you move comfortably!