Protect Your Feet This Summer: A Guide for Diabetic Patients

Here in South Jersey, summer is in full swing. That changes many things about your daily life, including your footwear. 

For some people, sandal season is a welcome opportunity to let their feet breathe. When you live with diabetes, though, it can introduce some added risks.

We want to help you keep your feet as safe as possible all summer long. With that goal in mind, Joseph DiMenna, DPM, and our team developed this summer foot care guide for people with diabetes. We’re also here at Family Foot and Ankle Center of South Jersey in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. If you notice anything concerning on your feet, see us. We specialize in diabetic foot care. 

That said, ideally, you can avoid needing to make a trip to our office. Here are a few tips to help there:

Cover up when you can

It’s been hot in South Jersey, and that might have you reaching for sandals. Be strategic about when you expose your feet to the world, though. 

If you’re just going for a walk around your neighborhood, the risk is probably low. But if you’ll be anywhere you could injure your feet — like fishing a rocky shore — think twice before donning sandals. Wearing closed-toe shoes helps you avoid nicks and scrapes that could turn into bigger problems. 

Wear shoes at the pool and other damp places

This summer, you might be enjoying some time poolside. Don’t do that barefoot. Foot fungus can thrive in damp places such as the areas around pools. Keeping shoes on your feet, even a simple slide or flip-flop, adds a critical barrier that protects your feet. Keep your shoes on in the locker room, too.

When you have diabetes, a foot fungus infection can become a major complication. It increases your risk for infections and ulcers, which ultimately heightens your risk for amputation. 

Trim your toenails strategically

With the likelihood of wearing sandals, you might take extra diligence to maintain your toenails. 

When you trim them, cut straight across (instead of angling down at the corners). This helps you avoid ingrown toenails, which can cause serious complications when you live with diabetes. 

Make foot care a daily habit

To prevent foot-related complications from diabetes, do two things every day. This recommendation doesn’t just come from our team. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend this for everyone with diabetes. 

Your two daily to-dos are:

• Check your feet every day (look for blisters, scrapes, etc.)
• Wash your feet with warm (not hot) water and soap

We hope these tips help you keep your feet healthy this summer. If you notice anything concerning, though, don’t hesitate to see us. 

With diabetes, the faster you address a foot problem, the more you lower your risk of complications. Call our team at 856-667-8222 to book an appointment if you want us to take a look at your feet.