The 4 Pillars of Diabetic Foot Care: Protecting Your Feet in Colorado Springs

Proper foot care is crucial for individuals living with diabetes. Diabetes can lead to poor circulation, nerve damage (neuropathy), infections, and foot ulcers, all of which can threaten mobility and overall health. The good news is that prevention and routine care can help you maintain healthy feet and avoid serious complications.

At McVay Foot & Ankle in Colorado Springs, we focus on proactive diabetic foot care to keep your lower limbs healthy and pain-free.

Understanding the Risks of Diabetes for Your Feet

Diabetes affects both circulation and nerve health, making your feet more vulnerable to injury and slow healing. Common complications include:

• Numbness or tingling due to neuropathy
• Slow-healing wounds that increase infection risk
• Infections and ulcers that can worsen quickly if untreated

Even minor cuts, blisters, or scratches can develop into serious problems without early intervention. This makes daily care and monitoring essential.

The Four Pillars of Diabetic Foot Care

These four essential “pillars” form the foundation for lifelong foot health in people with diabetes.

Pillar 1: Daily Foot Inspection

Check your feet every day for:

• Cuts, blisters, or sores
• Redness, swelling, or changes in skin color
• Nail abnormalities or signs of infection

Use a mirror or ask a loved one to inspect the bottoms of your feet. Early detection of problems help prevent ulcers and infections from developing into serious complications.

Pillar 2: Proper Foot Hygiene and Moisturization

Maintaining clean, well-moisturized feet is critical:

• Wash your feet daily in lukewarm water and dry thoroughly, especially between the  toes
• Apply moisturizer to prevent cracking, but avoid the spaces between the toes to reduce infection risk
• Use gentle, diabetic-safe soaps and lotions when possible

Pillar 3: Safe Footwear and Regular Podiatric Visits

Proper shoes and socks reduce pressure and friction:

• Wear seam-free, breathable socks
• Select well-fitted shoes, and consider diabetic shoes or custom orthotics if additional support is needed
• Schedule regular podiatric check-ups to monitor foot health and address issues before they escalate

Pillar 4: Managing Blood Sugar and Circulation

Maintaining healthy blood sugar levels is key to protecting nerve and vascular health:

• Follow a balanced diet and exercise regularly
• Avoid smoking, which impairs circulation
• Work with your podiatrist, primary doctor, or endocrinologist to coordinate care

Recognizing Early Warning Signs

Pay attention to any of these symptoms:

• Non-healing sores or wounds
• Changes in skin color or temperature
• Pain, numbness, or loss of sensation

Early intervention is critical; don’t wait for minor issues to become major problems.

Advanced Diabetic Foot Care Options

At McVay Foot & Ankle, we offer professional services to help prevent and treat complications, including:

• Wound care management
• Debridement and infection control
• Protective footwear programs
• Pressure relief treatments

Consistent professional care plays a vital role in long-term prevention and foot health.

Take Action: Protect Your Feet and Your Future

Diabetic foot care is essential for maintaining health, mobility, and independence. Establishing a routine of inspection, hygiene, safe footwear, and blood sugar management is key.

Call us, McVay Foot & Ankle, at (719) 266-5000 or request an appointment online to start protecting your feet today.