November is National Diabetes Awareness Month, and it’s the perfect time to give extra attention to your foot health. At Podiatry Center of New Jersey, we stress to our diabetic patients that foot care is just as much about prevention as it is comfort. And as the weather changes and we transition into the colder, drier months, new risks pop up that you might not be aware of, so let’s explore what those are.

The Diabetic Dangers of Cold and Dryness

One subtle risk of fall is dry, cracked skin. As the temperature drops and the air becomes less humid, your skin loses moisture quickly. For diabetics, this dryness can lead to deep cracks around the heels.

Because of potential neuropathy, you might not feel these cracks opening, which can create an easy pathway for bacteria.

  • Tip: Moisturize your feet daily with a thick, urea-based cream, but remember to never apply lotion between your toes. This simple step preserves your skin barrier.

Shoes and Diabetic Foot Problems

Fall means switching from open sandals to closed, thicker shoes and boots. You might think this is protective, but this shift poses a few problems.

Firstly, you might be wearing shoes that were perfectly comfortable last year but are now too tight due to age-related foot changes or slight swelling.

Secondly, thick socks and heavy shoes trap moisture, which increases the risk of fungal infections like athlete’s foot.

  • Tip: Check your shoe size now. Even if you think they fit, get your feet measured. Wear seamless, moisture-wicking diabetic socks and always allow your shoes to dry out completely between wears. Never put on a damp shoe!

Diabetes and Unnoticed Foot Trauma

Yard work is a common fall activity, but leaves and debris can hide sharp objects like broken branches, tools, or even thorns. If you have neuropathy, stepping on something sharp might go completely unnoticed.

  • Tip: Always wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes or boots (that fit, as mentioned earlier), with thick soles while raking or working outdoors. Check your feet immediately after you come inside, even if you don’t feel anything.

Professional, Podiatric Care for Diabetes

Perhaps the most crucial, lesser-known fact is the necessity of regular podiatric screening. Even if your feet feel fine, a podiatrist can perform a quick, painless screening to check your circulation and nerve function.

We can also spot a subtle change in skin temperature or blood flow that signals a problem long before you would notice it.

  • Tip: Make sure you schedule your regular diabetic foot exam this November. It’s the best way to catch problems early and ensure your feet stay healthy and strong for the holidays ahead.

If you have more questions about foot care or want to address specific concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to the expert team at Podiatry Center of New Jersey! Give us a call at (973) 925-4111 or make an appointment online.