Individuals with Diabetes require proper foot care and regular screening.  They often have decreased circulation and impaired sensation in their lower extremities.  They also are prone to extra dry skin, putting them at risk for developing calluses.  Having impaired sensation (feeling) often means that a blister, callus, or other foot problems may go undetected and progress to foot ulcers or even amputation.  Regular foot care can assist in the prevention of foot related problems, aid in early detection of problematic issues and play an important role in the treatment of areas of concern.

Calluses occur on areas of the feet where friction occurs.  Over time, a thick, hardened area of skin can develop.  When friction is severe and frequent, a blister will develop.  Unlike calluses, blisters present as a fluid filled bubble and develop quickly; as opposed to calluses developing from less severe friction and over a more prolonged period.  Corns are a mass of dead cells that occur in the center of a callus. They are typically found on the ball of the foot and the toes and are very painful.

Ingrown toenails occur most often from improper trimming/filing and poorly fitting footwear. Skin trying to heal and the nail continuing to grow leads to the toe becoming inflamed and swollen.  Involuted toenails most often occur because of a natural disposition to the condition or because of an injury to the nail. An involuted nail has an unusual curvature in which the nail curves down and grows into the nail bed.  Left untreated these problems can cause corns/calluses under the nail bed or a bone infection.