For people with diabetes, the feet deserve special attention. Nerve damage can dull pain so that a blister, cut or pressure spot goes unnoticed, and reduced circulation can slow healing. A small sore can turn into a deep infection if it is not caught early.
Daily foot habits
- Look at the tops, bottoms and between the toes every day, using a mirror or asking for help if needed
- Wear well-fitting shoes and socks, and check inside shoes for objects or rough seams
- Avoid walking barefoot, indoors included
- Keep skin moisturized, but not between the toes
- Do not try to cut away calluses or treat sores at home
Warning signs that need prompt attention
- Any wound that is not clearly improving
- Redness, warmth, swelling or drainage
- Odor from a wound
- Skin color change toward dark, blue or black
- Fever or chills with a foot wound, which should be treated as urgent
What limb salvage care involves
Limb salvage means working to heal the wound and keep a functioning foot. Care typically combines wound cleaning, appropriate dressings, offloading pressure, treating infection, checking circulation, and managing blood sugar together with your other physicians. When a deformity or bony prominence is the cause of repeated pressure, surgery may be recommended to correct it so the area can heal and stay healed.
The most useful step is simple: do not wait. A wound that is looked at early is far easier to treat than one that has been present for weeks.
This page is for general education and is not a substitute for an examination and advice from a qualified clinician. Treatment recommendations depend on your individual situation. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911.