Diabetic Foot Care Symptoms
Things to watch for between visits:
- Numbness, tingling, or burning in the feet
- Cuts, blisters, or sores that are slow to heal
- Dry, cracked skin, especially around the heels
- Thick calluses, particularly on the soles
- Changes in the shape of your feet
- Redness, warmth, or swelling anywhere on the foot
How we treat it
Prevention is the heart of diabetic foot care. We provide thorough diabetic foot exams on a regular schedule — checking your circulation, sensation, skin, and nails — so small issues get caught before they become big ones. We trim nails and manage calluses safely (something you should never try to do aggressively on your own with diabetes), and we fit and recommend protective footwear that shields vulnerable feet.
If a wound or sore does appear, we treat it promptly with specialized wound care and offloading to take pressure off the area while it heals. We’ll also teach you a simple daily foot-check routine you can do at home, and exactly what to do — and how quickly to call us — if you spot a problem. When we find circulation or nerve concerns, we coordinate with the rest of your care team so nothing falls through the cracks.
When to see a doctor
- Any cut, blister, or sore that isn’t clearly improving within a day or two
- Signs of infection: spreading redness, warmth, swelling, drainage, or fever
- New or worsening numbness in the feet
- A foot that looks different in shape or color
- An ingrown toenail — don’t try to fix it yourself
Protecting your feet is one of the most important things you can do with diabetes — and you don’t have to do it alone. Call Jacksonville Foot & Ankle Clinic at (904) 731-1711 or book your appointment online. We look forward to caring for you.
Learn more about diabetic foot care from Mayo Clinic.