Prevention Tool

Diabetic Foot Care
Checklist

Daily, weekly and monthly foot inspection routines to prevent diabetic foot complications. Tick each item — your progress is saved automatically.

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Daily foot check — Today
Tick each item as you complete your foot inspection. Catching problems early can prevent serious complications.
Daily Foot Check
Do this every day — ideally at the same time
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Medical disclaimer: This checklist is a self-care guide only. It does not replace professional medical assessment. If you notice any foot problems — especially wounds, infections or changes in colour — contact your doctor or diabetes foot clinic immediately.

Warning signs

When to see a doctor about your feet

⚡ Urgent — today
Wound or ulcer not healing
Any cut, blister or sore that has not healed in 2 weeks, or is getting worse despite treatment.
⚡ Urgent — today
Signs of infection
Redness, warmth, swelling, discharge or pus, bad smell, or fever alongside a foot problem.
⚡ Urgent — today
Blackened or dark area
Any area of skin on the foot that turns black, dark purple or very dark — may indicate tissue death (gangrene). Seek emergency care.
⏰ See doctor this week
Sudden swelling of one foot
Swelling in only one foot — particularly if painless — can indicate Charcot foot, a serious bone condition in diabetics.
⏰ See doctor this week
New numbness or pain
Sudden new tingling, burning, shooting pain or areas with no sensation that are new or worsening. May indicate progressing neuropathy.
⏰ See doctor this week
Colour or temperature change
One or both feet turning pale, blue or noticeably colder than usual — may indicate circulation problems (peripheral artery disease).
Dos & Don'ts

Foot care dos and don'ts

DO
Inspect your feet every day — all surfaces including between toes
Wash feet daily with lukewarm water and mild soap — test water temperature with your elbow
Dry thoroughly, especially between the toes
Apply moisturiser to the heels and soles (but NOT between toes)
Wear well-fitting shoes with soft insoles — always wear socks
Cut toenails straight across — not curved into the corners
Have a professional foot exam at least once a year
DON'T
Walk barefoot — ever. Not even indoors or on the beach
Soak feet — this softens skin and increases infection risk
Use hot water bottles or heating pads on feet — risk of burns
Cut corns or calluses yourself — always see a podiatrist
Wear tight shoes, sandals with exposed toes, or high heels
Ignore any new wound, blister or discolouration — seek help within 24–48 hours
Smoke — smoking drastically reduces circulation to the feet
FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Diabetes can cause nerve damage (neuropathy) and poor circulation, which reduces sensation and healing ability in the feet. Small cuts, blisters or pressure sores that go unnoticed can become serious infections or ulcers. In severe cases, these can lead to amputation. Up to 85% of amputations in people with diabetes are preceded by a foot ulcer — all of which start as a small, preventable problem. Daily foot inspection is the most effective prevention tool available.

Every single day — ideally at the same time (e.g. before bed or after your bath). Look at all surfaces including the sole, between the toes, heels and toenails. If you cannot see the bottom of your foot, use a mirror or ask a family member to help. If you have peripheral neuropathy (reduced sensation), daily inspection is absolutely critical as you may not feel a wound developing.

No. Soaking feet is not recommended for diabetics. It softens and weakens the skin, increasing the risk of cracking, blistering and infection. It can also cause burns if you cannot feel the water temperature due to neuropathy. Instead, wash feet with lukewarm water and mild soap, dry thoroughly (especially between the toes), and apply moisturiser to the heels and soles — but never between the toes.

See a doctor urgently (same day or emergency) for: any wound or ulcer not healing within 2 weeks, signs of infection (redness, warmth, swelling, pus, fever), a blackened or dark area anywhere on the foot, or sudden swelling of one foot (possible Charcot foot). See a doctor within a week for: new or worsening numbness, burning or pain, colour change (pale or blue), or cold feet.

Choose shoes that are well-fitting with a deep, wide toe box, soft interior lining, and cushioned insoles. Shop for shoes late in the day when feet are slightly larger. Always wear clean socks — preferably seamless or with flat seams. Never wear shoes without socks. People with significant neuropathy or foot deformity should ask their doctor about prescription diabetic footwear.

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