Diabetic Foot Care: The Best Over-the-Counter Treatment

Joyce Vallo
Feb 11, 2024
1 min read

Updated: Feb 28, 2024

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Diabetes can cause many complications, but some of the most common and serious complications involve the feet. It is estimated that 15% of diabetics will experience a foot ulcer in their lifetime. Proper foot care is extremely important for those with diabetes to prevent complications and amputations.

Quick Look at some Over-the-Counter for Diabetic Foot Care

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Cerave Diabetic Cream- click here👉 Diabetic Dry Skin Relief
Atikota Women Air Cushion- click here👉 Slip-On Orthopedic Shoes
Neuropathy Socks- click here👉 Foot Pain Relief Massage Socks Magnetic Sock
SUMIFUN Diabetes Wound Ointmen- click here👉 Diabetic Foot Wound Healing Cream
Canesten Cream- click here👉 Anti-fungal Cream

How Diabetes Impacts Feet

Diabetes affects feet in a few key ways:

Nerve damage (neuropathy) - High blood sugar levels can damage and deaden nerves over time. This is called peripheral neuropathy. When nerves in the feet are damaged, you lose sensation and cannot feel heat, cold, pain or discomfort properly.
Poor circulation - Diabetes causes damage to blood vessels reducing blood flow. This makes it harder for injuries, cuts or wounds on the feet to heal properly.
Higher infection risk - Elevated blood sugar makes it easier for bacteria and funguses to grow, raising chances of developing foot infections.

These problems put diabetics at greater risk for various foot complications.

Potential Complications

Preventing Serious Complications

While these statistics seem dire, the good news is most diabetes-related foot complications can be prevented with proper proactive care.

The key is preventing minor problems from worsening and causing cascading issues by staying on top of daily foot care. This includes:

Daily inspection of feet
Proper washing and drying of feet
Using moisturizer
Wearing clean, dry socks
Using proper footwear
Getting regular podiatrist check ups

By adopting healthy foot care habits, those with diabetes can thrive and walk confidently for years to come.

Best Practices for Diabetic Foot Care

Caring properly for your feet daily is critical for diabetics to prevent problems before they occur and keep feet healthy. Here are some best practices to incorporate into your routine:

Clean Feet Daily

Wash feet daily using a mild, non-drying soap and lukewarm water
Be sure to clean all surfaces of your feet including between the toes where fungus can grow
Dry feet gently yet thoroughly afterwards, especially between the toes where moisture gets trapped
Don't soak feet as this dries out skin
Use small soft brush like a toothbrush to lightly exfoliate skin

Moisturize Feet Daily

Apply a daily moisturizing foot cream, especially to dry areas like heels and edges of feet
Look for creams with ceramides, glycerin, Vitamin E and shea butter
Avoid putting moisturizer between toes where extra moisture can lead to fungal infection
Exfoliate dead skin before using moisturizers for better absorption

Inspect Feet Daily

Check entire foot daily including between toes, underside and back of heel
Use unbreakable mirror to check underside
Look for any cuts, bruises, discoloration, irritation, swelling or changes in skin
Be aware of any pain, discomfort, numbness, burning or tingling which could indicate developing problems
Notify your doctor promptly about any abnormal findings

Proper Nail Care

Cut toenails regularly after bathing when soft and pliable
Cut nails straight across, not too short or rounded at edges
Use nail file to gently smooth sharp edges
Don’t cut into corners of nails
See podiatrist for thickened nails or ingrown nails

Wear Clean Dry Socks Daily

Wear clean, dry socks made of natural fibers like cotton which allow ventilation
Avoid restrictive socks with elastic bands
Change socks daily
Don’t walk barefoot as risk damaging feet with no sensation

Treating Diabetic Foot Problems

If problems do arise with your feet, there are various treatment options available depending on the severity of the issue:

Medications

Oral antibiotics or antifungal medications to treat infections
Pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen for pain
Special wound dressings containing medicine and silver to prevent infection and promote healing

Debridement

Removal of dead, damaged tissue from foot ulcers to promote healing
Can be surgical/sharp debridement or chemical/autolytic debridement using special dressings
Helps reduce bacteria that delay healing

Offloading Pressure

Using specialized shoes, inserts or braces to reduce pressure on wounds, ulcers or irritated areas
Helps prevent further damage and encourages healing
Options include diabetic shoes, custom orthotics, walking boots, toe spacers, shoe lifts and more

Advanced Wound Care

Using skin substitutes and growth factors to aid wound closure
Special dressings that provide moisture balance and debridement
Technologies like negative pressure wound therapy and hyperbaric oxygen treatment

Surgery

If ulcers or wounds become severely infected, surgery may be required
Involves cutting away infected, necrotic tissue (debridement)
Amputation if gangrene develops and infection spreads too far up limb

Regular Check Ups

Those prone to foot issues should see podiatrist every 6-12 months
Foot exams allow early detection and prevent advancement of problems
Podiatrists can provide necessary prescriptions, devices, nail care, callus removal and other specialized foot treatments

The key is addressing any problems early before they escalate into serious infections requiring hospitalization. Stay vigilant with inspections and follow your doctor's treatment plans.

Choosing Shoes for Diabetics

Finding the right shoes is crucial for keeping diabetic feet healthy. Look for these key features when shoe shopping:

Extra Depth & Width

Accommodates orthotics or inserts if needed
Provides room for bandages or toe spacers if you have wounds
Reduces friction and pressure on feet to prevent blisters and ulcers

Removable Cushioned Insoles

Allows fitting orthotics if prescribed without crowding
Cushioning distributes weight and absorbs shock unevenly

Uppers Made of Leather or Mesh

Allows feet to breathe preventing moisture and fungus
Leather uppers wrap around feet preventing friction
Durable materials withstand frequent wear

Rocker Sole Design

Encourages natural gait cycle and proper walking motion
Reduces pressure on joints including ankles, knees and hips
Helps prevent calluses under the ball of foot

Stretchable Upper Materials

Accommodates bandages, braces or swelling feet
Does not constrict circulation in feet and ankles

Closures with Velcro Straps or Laces

Allows adjustability for best fit
Prevents shoes slipping up and down creating friction

Reputable Brands

Some well-reviewed shoes designed for diabetics include:

Orthofeet
Aetrex
Dr. Comfort
Propet
Drew Shoe

Be sure to get properly fitted by shoe experts to find what works best for your needs. Ill-fitting shoes are a main culprit behind foot complications for those with diabetes. Invest in proper footwear to keep yourself active and comfortable.

Over-the-Counter Treatments

There are many effective over-the-counter products available to help prevent and treat common diabetic foot problems:

Callus Cushions and Pads

Cushion calluses and corns to relieve pressure and pain
Felt pads and silicone sleeves protect sensitive areas
Help evenly redistribute pressure away from calluses

Bunion Pads & Splints

Protect and relieve pressure on bunions caused by misaligned toes
Made of gel pads or soft fabric, fits between first two toes
Splints with silicone can help straighten crooked big toes

Toe Separators and Spacers

Separate toes evenly relieving pressure that causes corns
Allow air circulation preventing moisture and infection
Made of gel, foam or soft fabric

Antifungal Powders and Sprays

Treat athlete’s foot, toenail fungus and yeast infections
Antifungal ingredients like miconazole, clotrimazole
Keeps feet dry preventing additional moisture

Metatarsal Pads and Arch Supports

Lift and support fallen arches causing weight imbalance
Pads relieve pressure on ball of foot preventing calluses
Transfer pressure away from sensitive metatarsal region

Custom Orthotics and Insoles

Custom-made to match the contours of patient’s feet
Relieve pain points, provide arch support, cushion pressure areas
Should be prescribed by podiatrist
Fit into shoes comfortably vs basic Dr. Scholl’s

OTC options help prevent and protect against various foot issues while medical grade insoles and orthotics provide customized treatment of foot problems. Consult your podiatrist on what OTC products may be helpful for your needs.

Conclusion

Proper foot care is a lifelong necessity for those with diabetes. By understanding the common foot problems diabetics face and adopting preventative care habits, you can thrive for years without complications.

Key Takeaways

Check feet daily and see a podiatrist regularly to catch problems early
Follow proper hygiene and moisturizing routines to prevent infections and dryness
Invest in proper footwear to avoid wounds and irritation
Use specialized treatments and orthotics if problems develop to help heal
Don’t ignore discomfort or visible issues which can rapidly advance

With vigilance and proactive care, those with diabetes can stay active and maintain healthy feet for life. Preventative care combined with medication and blood sugar control can reduce risk of ulcers and amputation by 45-85%.

When in Doubt, Check It Out

Foot problems that seem minor can quickly escalate into major infections for diabetics. Seek immediate medical care if you notice any of the following:

Cuts, sores or blisters that do not start healing within a few days
Visible swelling, redness, bleeding or discoloration
Signs of infection like oozing, foul odor or increased pain
Changes in skin temperature or appearance
Numbness, tingling or burning sensations

Catching problems when they first appear is crucial. Wounds must be professionally cleaned, monitored and offloaded to promote healing. Untreated infections put you at risk for limb amputation and even death. Do not ignore or self-treat any abnormal foot issue. Consult your doctor or podiatrist right away if you have any concerns.

With proper care, those with diabetes have every ability to thrive and remain active for life. Don't take your feet for granted!

References

[1] Diabetes and Foot Problems. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/preventing-problems/foot-problems

[2] Diabetic Foot Ulcers. American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. https://www.foothealthfacts.org/conditions/diabetic-foot-ulcers

[3] Bottomley JM. Foot care for people with diabetes: prevention of complications and treatment. British Journal of Community Nursing. 2017 May 2;22(5):226-34.

[4] Healthy Feet for People with Diabetes. Order Your Free Educational Booklet Today! APMA. https://www.apma.org/diabetes

[5] Diabetes - foot care. UCSF Health. https://www.ucsfhealth.org/education/diabetes-foot-care

[6] 10 Tips For Diabetic Foot Care. Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322339

[7] 5 key guidelines for proper foot care if you have diabetes. Osmosis. https://www.osmosis.org/answers/diabetic-foot-care

[8] How to Choose the Right Shoes if You Have Diabetes. UCSF Health. https://www.ucsfhealth.org/education/how-choose-right-shoes-if-you-have-diabetes

Take Control of Your Symptoms:

Try Recommended Products: Explore the recommended OTC products mentioned in this guide.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional for personalized guidance based on your specific health condition.