4 Tips for Reducing Diabetic Wound Risks at Home

Diabetic wound care is just as much about preventing injuries as it is about treating problems that arise.

Home is where the majority of injury-involved accidents occur (about 54 percent, according to the National Safety Council in 2019 – and potentially more considering how many more of us have stayed home over the past year), so it should be a primary focus on reducing wound risk. Below are some simple tips to apply to both your home and yourself to make diabetic wounds (and their associated complications) less likely.

And of course, if you ever do face a wound or other problem despite your best efforts, never hesitate to let us know. We can provide prompt evaluation and treatment to help keep that problem from becoming worse.

Wear Shoes that Fit Well – Everywhere

This not only means you should wear shoes that properly fit you along every area of your foot, but also that many people with diabetes should consider wearing shoes inside the house as well.

A good shoe for diabetic feet tends to be fully enclosed to protect the feet, but also lightweight and made of breathable material. The less moisture you trap around the feet, the better.

Shoes and socks should also not rub up against any areas of the skin to cause potential sores or calluses. Remember that special seamless socks and shoes can help keep those “hot spots” from forming.

Footwear also shouldn’t be too tight – especially in the toe area, where it can increase the risk of ingrown toenails. (This includes tight socks as well as tight shoes.)

Having a clean pair of good shoes to wear indoors can help protect against the stubs and scrapes that can sometimes happen in the home. They can also provide the feet added support against various causes of heel and arch pain. Over the past year, we’ve seen more instances of heel pain in patients who have switched to working from home and gone without shoes more often, so don’t feel shy about taking this step!