How to Do a Daily Foot Exam

Why Are Foot Exams Important With DPN?

While it's a good idea to get your doctor to perform a thorough foot exam every year, you can also check your feet every day for changes and other signs. These steps are key because it can be easy to take your feet for granted.

But the health of your feet is essential for keeping you active and independent as you age. While everyone should take care of their feet, good foot care habits are even more important when you have DPN because of nerve damage.

Why you can't feel your feet

Nerve damage from diabetes can cause you to lose normal feeling in your feet. This means that your feet might not feel the same way as they did before you had DPN and you may not feel:

• Pain
• Heat
• Other sensations

Without the normal pain or burning sensations to alert you the way they normally would, you're more likely to injure your feet. You also have a higher risk for foot problems and these issues getting worse without you noticing.

What Are Steps to Successful Foot Exams?

Get your doctor to check your feet at least once a year, but it's better to have your feet checked more often — every three to six months — when you have:

• Diabetic peripheral neuropathy
• A history of ulcers
• Had other foot problems in the past

When your doctor checks your feet, speak up and let them know about any changes or concerns.

To startyour daily foot exam, consider a foot wash first. When your feet are clean, you'll be less likely to get infections.

Wash and dry your feet well. Take special care to wash and dry between all your toes. Check to see that your toe nails are trim, and clip them as needed.

Next, examine your feet. A thorough self-exam means that you'll:

• Look carefully at all parts of your foot, including the bottoms of your feet, the spaces between your toes, your heels, and the corners of your toenails. 
• Check for thickened nails. Ensure they are trimmed and that there are no signs of infection or an ingrown nail.
• Make note of anything out of the ordinary, including cuts, scrapes, sores, ulcers, blisters, or spots that look red or warm. 
• Check any calluses, moles, or other unique features to make sure they haven't changed.
• Consider taking photos of your feet so you can examine small spots more carefully and watch for changes over time.

Lastly, report any changes. Let your doctor know about any unusual changes, cuts, ulcers, or other concerns. Check your socks for discharge or blood. They can help you treat your foot problems before complications happen.

What to Look for in Your Foot Exam

If you notice anything out of the ordinary, let your care team know. It's a good idea to err on the side of caution when you have DPN.

So take foot problems seriously and look for changes you can see and ones you can't. 

Here are some signs and symptoms that may suggest a problem:

• Changes to your skin, including dry, shiny , scaly skin or cracking
• Broken skin between your toes
• Ulcers or sores on the outer layer of your skin
• Changes to your foot joints or other structures

Signs of nerve damage to look for and track may include:

• Changes in the way your feet feel
• Pain
• Burning
• Tingling
• Numbness

Signs your blood isn't flowing well through your feet may include:

• Weak pulse
• Cold feet
• Thinning, shiny, or bluish colored skin
• Lack of hair

Signs to let your doctor know about

How to Make Foot Exams a Success

It helps to make foot exams a regular habit. Try to build them into your normal routine.

For instance, you may do your daily exam when you take your bath or shower each day. Or, check your feet when you're getting dressed before you pull your socks on.

Some parts of your feet may be tough for you to see. A mirror can help you check the undersides of your feet. Consider using your smartphone camera as well. If there are parts you can't see well enough, ask someone else to help you.

Other Ways to Protect Your Foot Health

Along with checking for foot problems, you can also lower your DPN complication risk when you:

• Stay away from activities that raise your risk of foot injuries or burns.
• Keep your toenails trim and use a file to smooth rough spots.
• Don't break the skin on your feet or pop blisters.
• Wear socks that fit well and change them daily.
• Wear shoes that fit you just right.
• If you smoke, stop, or at least cut back.
• Walk regularly to improve your circulation.

Foot Care and Your Emotional Health

When you have diabetes, depression and anxiety are more likely. But if you have diabetes-related foot problems, mental health conditions become even more likely.

That's because problems with your feet, like ulcers, can make it harder to sleep. You can also have trouble getting around. If foot problems get in the way of everyday activities or affect your relationships, it can lead to:

• Loneliness
• Powerlessness
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Physical restrictions

Caring for your feet is important, but so is your emotional health. If you have DPN and a mental health condition, ask for support.

Sometimes talking with a therapist or others going through the same thing can help. Letting your friends, family, and care team know can also give you the extra support that you need.