Diabetic foot care isn't optional. It's essential.

Most diabetic patients should have a comprehensive foot exam at least annually. Patients with peripheral neuropathy, peripheral arterial disease, foot deformities, history of ulcers, or other risk factors benefit from quarterly visits. Those actively managing wounds or recent complications may need more frequent care.

The American Diabetes Association recommends annual comprehensive foot exams for all diabetic patients and more frequent visits based on individual risk. Patients often underestimate how much benefit they get from regular preventive visits — small problems caught early are dramatically easier to resolve than the same problems caught late. We work with you to set the right cadence based on your specific situation.

Warning signs that warrant prompt podiatric evaluation include any cuts, sores, or blisters that don't heal within a few days; redness, swelling, or warmth in any area of the foot; changes in skin color or temperature; new pain, numbness, or tingling; ingrown toenails; thick or discolored nails; and any open wounds.

For diabetic patients, the rule is simple: if something on your foot doesn't seem right, don't wait. Issues that seem minor — a small blister, a tiny cut, a callus that's gotten thicker — can progress rapidly in patients with neuropathy or circulation issues. Daily foot inspection is essential, and any concerning finding warrants prompt evaluation rather than watchful waiting.

Yes — most diabetic foot ulcers are preventable with consistent foot care. Daily foot inspection, properly fitting protective footwear, custom orthotics that redistribute pressure, regular professional foot care, blood sugar control, and prompt treatment of any developing issues dramatically reduce ulcer risk.

The vast majority of diabetic ulcers develop in predictable locations — over bony prominences, under high-pressure areas, on toes affected by deformities. Custom orthotics designed specifically for diabetic feet redistribute pressure away from these high-risk areas. Combined with appropriate footwear and regular professional care, the risk of ulceration drops substantially. For high-risk patients, this combination of preventive measures has been shown to significantly reduce hospitalization and amputation rates.

Daily diabetic foot care should include visual inspection of both feet (use a mirror if needed), washing with mild soap and lukewarm water, thorough drying including between toes, applying moisturizer to dry areas (avoiding between toes), wearing clean cotton socks, and inspecting shoes before putting them on for foreign objects.

What to avoid is equally important: don't soak your feet for extended periods, don't use heating pads or hot water bottles, never walk barefoot, don't use over-the-counter corn or callus removers with acid, don't trim corns or calluses with sharp tools at home, and don't ignore minor cuts or blisters. Patients with significant neuropathy especially need to compensate for reduced sensation by using their eyes — visual inspection is critical when you can't feel problems developing.

Yes — diabetic foot care is well-covered by most insurance plans, including Medicare. Medicare specifically covers comprehensive diabetic foot exams annually for patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy and provides coverage for therapeutic shoes and inserts for qualified patients. Table Mountain Foot & Ankle accepts most major insurance plans, Medicare, and Medicaid.

The Medicare Therapeutic Shoe Bill specifically provides one pair of therapeutic shoes and three pairs of inserts annually for diabetic patients with qualifying conditions including neuropathy, foot deformities, history of ulcers, or amputation history. Our front office team handles the documentation and helps you access these benefits. For patients with private insurance, we verify your specific diabetic foot care benefits before your appointment.