- There are several early warning signs of diabetes that manifest in the feet, including dryness, itching, tingling, burning sensations, muscle cramps, changes in skin color or temperature, and thickening or breaking of toenails. - Diabetics are more prone to developing serious foot problems quickly due to impaired circulation or nerves. Any foot issues should be viewed as potentially dangerous and require prompt podiatric care. - It is important for diabetics to regularly inspect and care for their feet, including daily washing and drying, and seeing a podiatrist twice per year. Foot injuries or infections should be promptly treated.

1. DIABETES EARLY WARNING SIGNS DIABETES AND YOUR FEET
There are certain physical changes that manifest themselves in the foot
and may be “indicators” of diabetes:
• Dryness and itching of the skin (feet and legs)
• Tingling and burning sensations (particularly in the toes or sole
areas)
• Muscle cramps
• The appearance of small localized areas of redness or blueness,
particularly at the ends of the toes and in the heel areas
• Frequent splitting of the skin around the heels and between the
toes
• Unaccountable and sudden sharp pains that are short-lived
• The delayed healing of sores and scratches of the skin
• Thickening or breaking off of toenails
• Swelling at the ankle or the top of the foot; Occasionally, the toes
feel puffy
• Increased or decreased sensitivity to heat or pain
• “Coolness” of skin temperature
All of us are likely to have problems with our feet, but diabetics may
develop serious problems more quickly and have more complications,
expecially when circulation or nerves are impaired. The key for the diabetic
is to view all foot problems as potentially dangerous and seek podiatric
care as soon as they occur.
Advice from Your
Podiatric Physician
Florida Podiatric Medical Association
410 North Gadsden Street
Tallahassee, Florida 32301
Phone: 1-800-277-FEET (3338)
www.fpma.com

2. LEG EXERCISES FOR DIABETICS
IMPORTANT CARE FOR FEET OF THE DIABETIC Diabetics are more likely than others to develop circulatory disturbances
1. Have your feet professionally examined at least twice a year. in the legs and feet. With daily exercise, it is possible to prevent serious
damage.
2. Wash your feet daily and dry them well. Always wear clean socks or
hosiery.
3. Inspect your feet daily. Check for redness, blisters, cuts or scratches,
cracks between toes, discolorations, or any other change. Monitor
minor abrasions, keep them clean and treat with antiseptics
recommended by your podiatric physician. If you notice an infection,
a change or abnormality, notify your podiatric physician promptly.
Because diabetes may cause loss of feeling in your feet, regular
inspection is essential. You could have an infection and not know it.
4. Avoid actions that restrict circulation to your feet, such as smoking,
sitting with your legs crossed, and exposing your feet and legs to cold
or heat. 1 Walking: Take a brisk, daily walk of 1/2
to 1 hour. Try to increase the distance
every day.
2 Staircase exercise: Walk briskly up
a flight of stairs using only the ball
of the foot.
3 Stretching the calf muscles: Lean with
the palms of your hands against a wall,
keeping your feet some distance away,
5. Avoid burns, including excessive sunburn. Do not put your feet in heels firmly on the floor. Bend your arms
10 times, keeping your back and legs
hot water or add hot water to a bath without testing the water straight. This counteracts leg cramps.
temperature. Test the water with your elbow. Avoid hot water bottles
and heating pads.
6. Do not use over-the-counter corn cures. Many of these preparations
contain acid and can destroy tissue.
7. Prevent cuts and irritations. Do not walk barefoot or wear run-down
shoes or worn hosiery. Do not treat your own foot problems with sharp
instruments or dig into the corners of your toenails.
8. When toenails are trimmed, be sure they are straight across and not
below the top of the toe.
4 Chair exercise: Sit down on a chair and
raise yourself up 10 times, keeping your 5 Tiptoe exercise: Hold onto a chair
and raise and lower yourself on your 6 Knee bending: Do deep knee bends 10
times, while holding onto a chair. Keep
9. Wear shoes that fit. The widest part of the shoe should follow the arms crossed. toes on that spot. your back straight.
natural outline of your foot and be snug, but not tight. There should be
about three-fourths of an inch of space between the big toe and the
shoe. The upper portion of the shoe should be soft and flexible. The
lining should be smooth and free of ridges, wrinkles, or seams.
You should also keep in mind, when seeing your podiatric physician for
treatment, that your podiatric physician will recognize any change in
your diabetes and will promptly recommend that you go back to see the
doctor who is treating you for that condition. Often, this will result in your
receiving necessary treatment earlier than would have otherwise been
possible.
7 Heel raising: Raise up on the balls of
your feet and then down on your
heels, about 20 times. Then put your whole
8 Leg sweeps: Stand with one leg
slightly raised, on a book or block.
Hold onto a chair or table and swing the
9 Wave your feet: Sit down on the floor
and lean backwards. Shake your feet
until they are relaxed and warm.
weight, first on one leg and then on the other leg to-and-fro 10 times. Change to
other. the other leg and repeat.