Living with diabetes means paying close attention to every part of your health, including your feet. About half of diabetics have a serious diabetes complication known as peripheral neuropathy. This condition causes numbness in the feet and increases the risk of serious injuries going unnoticed. 

Without proper care, these minor issues can turn into infections, skin ulcers, or even lead to amputations. The good news is that many of these complications are preventable. Read on to learn how daily foot checks, the right footwear, and regular visits to the best foot clinic in El Monte can protect your feet and stay ahead of problems before they start.

What Are the Most Common Diabetic Foot Problems? 

People with diabetes are more likely to develop serious foot problems because high blood sugar can damage both nerves and blood vessels over time. One of the most common issues is diabetic neuropathy, a type of nerve damage that causes numbness, tingling, or loss of feeling in the feet. When you can’t feel pain or pressure, it’s easy to miss a small injury like a blister or cut. 

At the same time, poor circulation in the feet makes it harder for wounds to heal, which raises the risk of infection. These two problems often go hand in hand and can lead to foot ulcers, open sores that form on the bottom of the feet or toes. Without quick treatment, these ulcers can become infected and may lead to serious complications, including hospitalization or even amputation when signs of a diabetic foot infection are overlooked. 

How Should You Check Your Feet Daily with Diabetes? 

Checking your feet every day is one of the most important habits you can build if you have diabetes: 

  • Use a mirror to see the bottoms of your feet, or ask a family member for help if you can’t easily check on your own. 
  • Pay close attention to all areas, especially the soles and between your toes. 
  • Look for anything unusual like cuts, blisters, swelling, redness, or changes in skin color or temperature. Even something that seems minor, like a small crack or sore, should be taken seriously. 

What’s the Best Footwear for Diabetics?

Wearing the right shoes and socks can make a big difference in protecting your feet when you have diabetes: 

  • The best shoes are well-fitting and cushioned, with good arch support and no rough seams inside that could rub against your skin and cause blisters. Look for shoes made from soft, breathable materials and make sure there’s enough room in the toe box for your toes to move. 
  • It’s also important to wear moisture-wicking, non-binding diabetic socks, which help keep your feet dry and reduce pressure that can lead to irritation or sores. These socks are designed to prevent rubbing and improve circulation. 
  • Diabetics should also avoid walking barefoot, even around the house, since it’s easy to step on something sharp or injure your foot without realizing it. 
  • Custom orthotics can also help reduce pressure on specific areas of the foot where ulcers are most likely to develop. 

How Do You Treat and Prevent Diabetic Foot Ulcers? 

Treating and preventing diabetic foot ulcers starts with managing diabetes and keeping your blood sugar levels under control, since high glucose can slow healing and make infections more likely. Staying physically active with regular exercise can also help reduce the risk of diabetic foot ulcers. If you notice even a small cut, scrape, or blister on your foot, clean it gently and apply a clean bandage right away. 

When Should You See a Doctor or Podiatrist for Your Feet?

It’s important to see a podiatrist as soon as you notice any signs of foot problems, like:

  • Pain
  • Swelling
  • Unusual skin color changes
  • Development of open sores
  • Wounds that aren’t healing
  • Drainage
  • Foul odor 
  • Warm, red skin
  • Spreading redness across the skin

These could be early signs of a serious issue, and waiting too long can lead to infections or other complications. Even if your feet seem healthy, it’s a good idea to schedule routine foot exams at least once a year. If you’ve had diabetic neuropathy, foot ulcers, or other risk factors or foot issues in the past, you may need more frequent visits. 

Where to Find the Best Foot Clinic in El Monte for Diabetic Foot Care

At La Clinica de Los Pies, diabetic foot care goes beyond routine checkups; it’s a thoughtful partnership built on expertise, empathy, and innovation. Under the care of the best podiatrist in El Monte, we take time to understand each patient’s lifestyle, health challenges, and goals so we can create personalized treatment plans that truly support long-term wellness. 

Our team is not only highly qualified but deeply committed to helping you stay mobile, pain-free, and confident in your daily life. Whether you're managing neuropathy, preventing ulcers, or in need of custom orthotics, we offer advanced tools like 3D scanning, diagnostic ultrasound, and cutting-edge laser treatments to provide effective and comfortable care. 

We also make it easier to stay on track with in-office therapeutic products and a complimentary pick-up service for patients in El Monte and nearby communities. With us, you’re not just another appointment; you’re a valued member of a practice that believes personal care delivers the best results.

Ready to take care of your feet with a diabetic foot check at the best foot clinic in El Monte?