Diabetes Foot Care Is Key During Cold Weather

December 31, 2024

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.

"When it comes to your feet, rain, snow and slushy weather have something in common: they cause dampness. Moisture that collects between your socks and your feet and toes can form bacteria, which can lead to an infection," said Dr. Michael Ambroziak, a Michigan-based foot and ankle surgeon in a news release from the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.

The American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons offers these tips for people with diabetes to help care for their feet during cold weather:

1. Keep Your Feet Dry

It’s essential to wash your feet to avoid additional 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.

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

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 their feet daily to prevent their skin from itching or cracking. But avoid areas between the toes because applying 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.

"With the numbness caused by neuropathy, diabetic patients may not feel when their feet are burning. As a result, they can experience second- or third-degree burns, which can cause serious foot problems," Dr. Ambroziak explained.

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, he said.

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

While choosing the right footwear to move around comfortably is crucial, using your mobility for general exercise is also essential. Staying active can help 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.