Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes can affect feeling and circulation in the feet. A blister, pressure point or small wound may go unnoticed and take longer to heal. Regular checks help identify changes before they become harder to manage.

What you may notice

  • Numbness, tingling or reduced feeling
  • Callus, blisters or skin that breaks down
  • A wound, colour change or new swelling

How we assess it

We check skin and nails, protective sensation, circulation and footwear. Your history of ulcers, surgery and other health conditions helps us recommend an appropriate follow-up schedule.

Treatment and next steps

Care can include safe nail and callus treatment, pressure relief and advice on shoes and daily checks. Inspect your feet each day, including the soles and between the toes. Avoid going barefoot and do not use blades or acid corn removers. Wounds may require coordinated medical care.

When to seek care

Get same-day advice for a new wound, drainage, a red or hot swollen foot, or an area turning dark. Fever or rapidly spreading infection needs urgent medical care.

Planning preventive foot care

Your follow-up interval should reflect your individual risk rather than a standard schedule for everyone. Tell the clinician about previous wounds, changes in feeling, circulation concerns and difficulty checking or reaching your feet.

What should I bring?

Bring everyday shoes, existing orthotics and your medication list. Note any new redness or rubbing after wearing a particular pair. Our diabetes and footwear guide helps you prepare.

Can routine foot care wait if there is a wound?

A new wound changes the priority. Contact a healthcare professional promptly rather than waiting for a nail-care visit. Our clinic can advise on assessment and whether coordinated medical care is needed.

For a simple habit between appointments, see our daily foot-check guide.

Foot care in Hamilton & Stoney Creek

Navraj (Nav) Sekhon and Elias Mohamed, chiropodists at Locke Minor Foot Surgery & Orthotics, can assess your concern and explain the next step. No referral is needed to book.

Patient information sources

NIDDK: Diabetes and foot problems