7 Keys To Diabetes Foot Care In The Winter

Poor circulation and nerve damage leave people with diabetes at increased risk for potentially serious foot problems, especially during the cold weather. This combination can make your feet vulnerable to infection, serious complications or possible amputation.

Key Takeaways: Diabetes & Foot Care

• Moisture from snow, rain or sweat can lead to bacterial infections. Diabetics should change damp socks promptly and dry feet thoroughly, especially between the toes.
• Neuropathy can reduce sensation in the feet, making burns from heating pads, electric blankets, or hot water a serious risk.
• Wear proper footwear and stay active. Supportive shoes with wide toe boxes and moisture-wicking socks help prevent injury. Regular exercise boosts circulation, but avoid walking if sores are present—consult a doctor instead.

1. Keep Your Feet Dry

Washing your feet is essential to avoid other foot-related concerns, such as infections. Still, it’s just as important to dry your feet after a wash and keep them dry throughout the day, but not too dry.

People with diabetes should change out of wet or damp socks, and towel dry your feet as soon as possible, remembering to pay close attention to the area between their toes.

A foot and ankle surgeon can also recommend moisture-wicking socks to keep your feet dry and warm.

2. Stay Moisturized

People with diabetes also need to moisturize your feet daily to prevent their your from itching or cracking. But avoid areas between the toes because applying lotion between your toes could lead to a fungal infection.

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends limiting baths and showers to five to 10 minutes. Bathing or showering for too long can dry out your skin and make dry, cracked heels worse. Gently blot your skin dry with a towel. Follow by moisturizing with a moisturizing cream that contains 10% to 25% urea, alpha hydroxy acid or salicylic acid. Apply it immediately after bathing and whenever your heels feel dry.

3. Avoid Direct Heat On Your Feet

Uncontrolled diabetes can cause nerve damage (neuropathy) in the feet, which means you may not be able to feel when your feet get too hot. Because of this, it's important to keep your feet away from sources of direct and high heat, like fires or heat on your feet in the car.

Avoid the use of warming aids on the feet, such as electric blankets, heated shoe inserts and heating pads. Also, test bath water with hands or a thermometer to make sure it's not too hot before putting your feet into the water.

"With the numbness caused by neuropathy, diabetic patients may not feel when their feet are burning,” said Cynthia Grundy, DPM, a Valparaiso podiatrist with Franciscan Physician Network. “As a result, they can experience second- or third-degree burns, which can cause serious foot problems."

4. Move Your Feet With Caution

Even though paying attention to the temperatures affecting your feet is essential, comfort throughout the day and exercise are just as important.

"In any weather, people with diabetes should wear well-fitted shoes with supportive soles and a wide toe box to reduce cramping,” Dr. Grundy said. “During the colder seasons, extra thought should be given to sock texture and how the weather will affect walking conditions.”

While choosing the right footwear to move around comfortably is crucial, using your mobility for general exercise is also essential. Staying active can help improve blood circulation throughout your legs and feet. Still, avoid walking exercise when you notice sores on your feet. If you’re seeing more sores on your feet, talk to your doctor about treatments and how much exercise is necessary.

5. Wear Proper Footwear

Falls are one of the most common causes of weather-related injuries. Often, wintertime falls result in an ankle sprain or, worse, a broken bone in the foot, ankle, heel or toe. Consider wearing low-heeled shoes or boots with a traction sole to help prevent slipping.

Water-resistant, insulated footwear provides a barrier between the feet and outside elements. This barrier is particularly important for people with neuropathy (nerve damage) or Raynaud's phenomenon (extreme sensitivity to cold).

It's also a good idea to wear moisture-wicking socks that prevent dampness from sweat, he added.

6. Get Regular Foot Exams

People with diabetes should also get regular foot exams by a health care provider.

7. Take Care With Cold Exposure

If your feet are exposed to cold and dampness for a long time, soak them in warm -- not hot -- water. Avoid direct heat. A warm-water soak will allow your feet to regain their normal temperature gradually. Get tips for managing cold-related injuries.