Diabetic Foot Care: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Achuta Uppu, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Diabetic Foot Care?
A podiatrist, a foot doctor, often treats diabetic foot problems. A primary care doctor or an endocrinologist, a doctor who treats diabetes, also helps keep your feet and blood sugar in check. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is diabetic foot care?
Foot problems are common in people with diabetes. They can happen over time when high blood sugar damages the nerves and blood vessels in the feet.
Taking good care of your feet can help prevent diabetic foot ulcers. A foot ulcer is an open sore.
Symptoms
Nerve damage, called diabetic neuropathy, can cause numbness, tingling, pain, or a loss of feeling in your feet. If you can't feel pain, you may not know about a cut, blister, or ulcer. Diabetic ulcers are often painless.
Contact your provider right away if you have signs of infection, such as:
- Redness, increased warmth, or swelling.
- Extra drainage.
- Pus or odor.
- Fever or chills.
- Increased pain.
Redness, warmth, and tenderness are often absent because of nerve damage.
Causes and who gets it
Diabetes can damage the nerves and the blood vessels in your feet. Damaged blood vessels can cause poor blood flow in the feet, so an infection may not heal well.
Foot ulcers are partly caused by too much pressure on one part of your foot. Smoking decreases blood flow to your feet.
Foot ulcers are a common reason for hospital stays for people with diabetes. Untreated foot ulcers are the most common reason for toe, foot, and leg amputations in people with diabetes.
How doctors diagnose it
Regular exams with your provider are the best way to find out if you are at higher risk of foot ulcers. Your provider should check your feeling with a tool called a monofilament. Your foot pulses will also be checked.
Take off your shoes and socks at visits so your provider can check your feet. If you have an ulcer, the provider may probe the wound with a metal instrument to see how deep it is.
Treatment
Follow your provider's instructions on how to treat an ulcer. One treatment is debridement, which removes dead skin and tissue. A provider, such as a podiatrist, must do it. You should never try to do it yourself.
Your provider may ask you to wear special shoes, a brace, or a special cast. You may need crutches or a wheelchair until the ulcer heals. Keeping the ulcer clean and bandaged also helps. Good blood sugar control helps you heal faster.
Some people need an amputation, a surgery to cut off a damaged toe, foot, or part of the leg. This may be needed for gangrene or for a foot ulcer that does not get better with treatment.
Daily steps that protect your feet include:
- Check your feet every day for cuts, redness, and other skin changes.
- Wash your feet daily with lukewarm water and mild soap. Dry gently, especially between the toes.
- Cut toenails straight across.
- Always wear well-fitting shoes and socks. Do not walk barefoot, even indoors.
- Do not use a heating pad or hot water bottle on your feet.
- If you smoke, stop.
When to see a doctor
Serious foot problems can develop quickly. See your health care provider right away if you notice:
- A cut, blister, or bruise that does not start to heal in a few days.
- Red, warm, or painful skin on your feet.
- A callus with dried blood inside.
- A foot infection that becomes black and smells bad. This could be gangrene. Gangrene means the muscle, skin, and other tissues start to die.
- A foot ulcer that is very white, blue, or black.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you faint or become confused.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A direct primary care doctor can look at your feet at visits and help you keep your blood sugar under good control. They can also refer you to a podiatrist when you need one.
Common questions
Why do people with diabetes get foot ulcers?
Diabetes can damage the nerves and blood vessels in the feet. Without feeling, you may not notice an injury. Too much pressure on one part of the foot also plays a part.
Should I check my feet every day?
Yes, checking your feet every day is part of good foot care. If you cannot see well, ask someone else to check your feet.
Can I remove my own corns and calluses?
Usually not, because most people with diabetes should have a foot doctor treat them. Do not use medicated pads or try to shave or cut them away at home.
Is it safe to walk barefoot at home?
No, you should not walk barefoot, even indoors. Wear shoes at all times to protect your feet from injury.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Diabetic Foot
- MedlinePlus - Diabetes: foot ulcers (Medical Encyclopedia)
- MedlinePlus - Diabetes: taking care of your feet (Medical Encyclopedia)
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
