Practicing Diabetic Foot Care in the Summer Heat

Aug 07, 2023

If you have diabetes, diligent foot care should be a priority every day. However, some unique challenges arise during the summer months. Here’s what you should do to keep your feet in top condition when the temps rise.

When you have diabetes, even a minor issue, such as a blister, can spell serious trouble. This is because high blood sugar can cause nerve damage and poor circulation in your extremities, which can interfere with your feet’s ability to heal.

Furthermore, these issues can impact your ability to feel, which can cause you to be unaware of problems until they become dangerous or even limb-threatening. That’s where diabetic foot care comes into play.

Our providers at Advanced Care Foot and Ankle offer diabetic foot care services at both of our offices in Corona and Ontario, California. These services can help you avoid serious complications, and we can provide you with guidance, so you can take care of your feet on a daily basis.

If you have diabetes, these tips can help you pamper your tootsies when the temps rise.

1. Avoid going barefoot

Many of us no doubt love the thought of ditching our shoes and feeling the ground beneath our toes. Unfortunately, whether you’re hitting the beach, patio, or your own living room, it’s important to avoid going barefoot as much as possible if you have diabetes.

Having protection on your feet is the best way to avoid injury, plantar warts, athlete’s foot, and other foot issues. Fortunately, there are breathable options that can keep you cool during the hottest days of summer. In fact, our team can make personalized suggestions based on your unique needs.

2. Apply sunscreen

When heading out to enjoy some fun in the sun, don’t forget the sunscreen. And, yes, we’re talking about your feet! Sunburn not only puts your skin at risk, but it can raise blood sugar levels as well.

For the best results, apply sunscreen to your entire foot, especially the tops of your feet and fronts of your ankles. And, if your outing includes time in the water, be sure to reapply sunscreen often. 

3. Keep your feet clean

Summer often means more activity, so treat your feet right with careful cleansing each day.

First, always remove sweaty or wet footwear as quickly as possible. Wash your feet in warm — never hot — water and dry completely. Then, put lotion on the tops and bottoms of your feet, but not in between your toes, which could put you at risk for infection. Finally, keep your toenails smooth and trimmed straight across. 

Keeping your feet and toenails in good condition is your first line of defense against infections and damage, such as from ingrown toenails.

4. Inspect your feet daily

We can’t stress this enough: If you have diabetes, you need to check your feet every day. And this is even more crucial during times of the year when you may have an increased risk for a foot injury.

Things to watch for include:

Don’t forget to check the bottoms of your feet, too. If this is a challenge, try using a mirror or asking a friend to help.

5. See an expert

Last but not least, schedule an appointment if you notice any problems with your feet or sustain an injury. Foot issues you shouldn’t ignore include:

  • Obvious injuries, such as blisters, ulcers, sores, or cuts
  • Infected corns or ingrown toenails
  • Nails that become thickened or yellowed
  • Dry, cracked skin on the feet
  • Hair loss on the lower legs, feet, and toes
  • Changes in foot color, temperature, or shape
  • Pain, burning, or tingling in the feet
  • Pain or cramping in the lower body during physical activity
  • Loss of sensation

Even if your symptoms seem mild, it’s crucial to see an expert as quickly as possible if you have diabetes. Taking action early can keep small problems from worsening.

Furthermore, you shouldn’t only seek foot care when you’re injured. You should see an expert regularly, so you can maintain good foot health. At Advanced Care Foot and Ankle, we provide diabetic foot care services, during which we examine your feet, treat any issues that arise, and give you guidance. Your plan will be customized to you, but patients usually visit us once or twice a year.