Caring for your feet if you have diabetes or are at high risk
If you live with diabetes or a high-risk foot condition, looking after your feet is essential. Diabetes can reduce feeling in your feet and affect blood flow, which means small problems can quickly turn into serious ones if they're not spotted early.
The NHFT Diabetes and High Risk Foot Service is here to help. Our specialist podiatrists prevent, diagnose, treat and manage serious foot conditions, to reduce the risk of ulceration, infection and amputations.
The service see patients with a range of conditions including:
- Peripheral neuropathy (loss of sensation)
- Poor circulation
- Calluses and corns caused by pressure
- Damage from poorly fitting footwear
- Cracked or dry skin
- Foot deformities such as bunions or claw toes
- Foot ulcers, with or without infection
In this video, Jacqui, Diabetic Specialist Podiatrist, explains how the service supports people with diabetes, and David, a type 2 diabetic, shares his experience and describes why getting your feet checked early matters.
Check your feet daily and attend your foot screening
Changes in your feet can be slow and easy to miss. That's why it's essential that you attend your foot screening. It helps identify your level of risk and spot problems before they become serious. Complications can start with small skin issues but may lead to serious infections or even amputations if not treated early.
You should check your feet every day. Look at the tops, soles, heels and between your toes. Look out for:
- Cuts, cracks or blisters
- New redness or new swelling
- Areas that are hot or painful
- Changes in skin colour
In this video, Lilian, Senior Podiatrist, shares simple ways to keep your feet clean, protected and healthy.
Choose the right footwear
Wearing the right shoes is one of the most effective ways to protect your feet if you have diabetes. Good footwear should fit well, support your feet and avoid pressure points.
In this video, Andrea, Specialist Footwear Podiatrist, gives practical tips on choosing shoes, safety checks to make, and which types of footwear to avoid.
A rheumatoid arthritis patient recently shared how specialist footwear changed her life:
"If it wasn't for the podiatry team I would be in too much pain to live any kind of life. I live on my own and my specialist shoes make the pain in my feet bearable and mean I can do my own shopping and stay independent."
What is neuropathy?
Many people with diabetes develop neuropathy, where the nerves (usually in the feet and lower legs) don't work as well as they should.
You might notice:
- Tingling or pins and needles
- Burning or sharp pains
- Numbness
- Feet that feel numb or different to normal
Some people don't feel any symptoms at all, which is why daily checks are so important.
Reduced feeling means your feet may not warn you when something is wrong. Look out for redness, swelling, blisters, cracks, broken skin, colour changes or discharge. Use a mirror or ask for help if you can't see the soles of your feet.
In this video, Dan, Senior Podiatrist, explains neuropathy, what to look for, and how to protect your feet in the summer and winter.
What to do if you have a serious diabetic foot problem
Check your feet every day and get medical help straight away if you notice:
- A foot that suddenly becomes red, warm or swollen
- A change in foot shape
- A cut or break in the skin, blister or wound that isn't healing
- Signs of infection (redness, swelling, oozing, discharge or a bad smell)
- Skin colour changes (very pale, blue, dark or patchy areas)
- Severe pain, or a foot that suddenly becomes cold or numb
These can be warning signs of a serious diabetic foot problem, such as infection, poor blood flow, or a condition called Charcot foot. These issues need urgent specialist care.
In this video, Becki, Diabetic Specialist Podiatrist, explains the warning signs and why acting quickly is so important. David also shares his experience of being admitted to hospital after delaying treatment.
Where can I get help?
Contact your GP, podiatrist or diabetic foot team straight away if you notice a wound, redness, swelling, a hot foot, or any signs of infection. Getting help quickly can prevent more serious complications.
For urgent diabetic foot concerns:
If you live in North Northamptonshire:
- Kettering General Hospital on 01536 492207
If you live in West Northamptonshire:
- Northampton General Hospital, Battle House on 01604 545422
Get urgent medical attention at your nearest Accident and Emergency department if your foot suddenly becomes red or swollen, changes in skin colour, or becomes more painful - especially if you also feel generally unwell.
Simple daily checks and good foot care make a big difference. Looking after your feet helps keep you active, independent, and healthy.
Find out more on the Diabetic and High Risk Foot webpage