How Early Detection of Diabetic Foot Ulcers Keeps You Moving

Your feet carry you through life, literally. They take you to work, help you chase after your kids,  and let you enjoy a walk in the park. Healthy feet make it all possible. But if you're living with diabetes, your feet face unique risks that require extra attention and care.

When you have diabetes, high blood sugar levels can damage nerves and reduce blood flow to your feet. This combination makes you more vulnerable to developing diabetic foot ulcers. 

The good news is that this complication is preventable with the right care and support. And that’s what we here at Allmed LA aim to bring to our community—education, support, and accessible podiatry services to protect your foot health and stay on steady ground wherever life takes you.

Simply put, a diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is an open sore or wound that forms on the foot, usually on the bottom or sides. If not given proper preventive podiatry care, it can worsen quickly.

This often starts small, but because of how diabetes affects the body, it can lead to severe diabetic foot complications. Some factors contribute to this risk, such as:

• Reduced Sensation (Neuropathy)

Nerve damage makes it harder to feel pain, pressure, or injuries. Many people don’t notice blisters, cuts, or rubbing until they’ve become irritated.

• Poor Circulation

Diabetes can slow blood flow to the feet, making it harder for the body to deliver nutrients needed for healing.

• Slower Wound Healing

Wound healing in diabetes takes longer to heal, increasing the risk of infection or skin breakdown.

When these three factors combine, everyday issues like a tight shoe, dry skin, or a small scrape can turn into ulcers.

According to a 2023 study, DFUs affect about 15% of the U.S. population with diabetes. These commonly appear in areas that carry the most pressure, such as:

• The ball of the foot
• The heels
• The sides of the foot
• Under calluses
• Around areas rubbed by shoes

Many early infection warning signs are subtle, especially if nerve damage has reduced sensation in your feet. Make it a habit to examine your feet every day, paying special attention to these warning signs:

1. Redness or Irritation

Any new redness, rubbing, or areas that look “warm” or irritated can signal pressure or early skin breakdown.

2. Blisters, Calluses, or Cracks

These may seem harmless, but in diabetes, they can quickly become entry points for infection. Calluses, especially, can hide ulcers from underneath.

3. Changes in Skin Temperature

If part of your foot feels noticeably warmer or cooler than usual, it may indicate inflammation or reduced blood flow.

4. Swelling

Swelling that appears suddenly or doesn’t go away can be a sign of injury, infection, or poor circulation.

5. Cuts or Scrapes That Don’t Heal

Slow healing is one of the earliest red flags. Even tiny wounds deserve attention if they’re not improving within a day or two.

6. Black or Blue Discoloration

Dark patches may signal tissue damage or compromised blood supply. This is a sign to seek medical care right away.

Taking a minute each day to check your feet, including the soles, sides, and between the toes, helps catch problems or any hidden diabetic foot problems long before they become ulcers. Whenever something looks unusual, or if you require urgent diabetic foot treatment, it’s always safer to reach out to your healthcare provider.

“Is checking my feet every day really that important?”

Absolutely yes! Catching problems early can:

• Drastically lower your infection risk. A small blister caught early can be cleaned, protected, and healed within days. Whereas, left unnoticed, it can become an open wound.
• Prevent diabetic amputation risk. A study from 2023 has found that of the 422 million people in the U.S. who have diabetes, about 14%–24% of them will require amputation. If caught early, this may not be necessary.

Moreover, when you make early detection a habit, you can enjoy:

• Lower healthcare costs since minor issues are far less expensive than serious ulcers or complications.
• Improved mobility with healthy feet to help you stay active, independent, and on your feet longer.
• Less pain and discomfort by stopping minor irritations from turning into persistent, painful wounds.

The beauty of foot ulcer prevention is that it doesn’t require dramatic lifestyle changes. 

Small, consistent habits are all you need for proper diabetic foot care to prevent ulcers and maintain mobility.

1. Choose the Right Footwear

• Wear shoes that fit well and provide adequate support.
• Avoid tight, pointed, or high-heeled shoes that create pressure points.
• Consider custom orthotics if your healthcare provider recommends them.

2. Moisturize Daily

• Dry skin can crack and become a gateway for infection.
• Apply a gentle moisturizer to the tops and bottoms of your feet, but avoid the areas between your toes to prevent excess moisture and fungal growth.

3. Keep Blood Sugar in Check

• Maintaining stable blood sugar levels supports circulation and faster healing.
• Follow your diabetes care plan, including diet, medication, and regular monitoring.

4. Quit Smoking

• Smoking reduces blood flow and slows healing.
• If you do smoke, seek support for cessation (smoking constricts blood vessels).

5. Off-Load Pressure

• Reduced prolonged pressure on vulnerable areas.
• Change positions often, avoid walking barefoot on hard surfaces, and use cushions or pads if you have sensitive spots.

6. Nail Care Do’s and Don’ts

• Do: Trim nails straight across, then file the edges. If nails are thick, discolored, or hard to trim, seek professional care.
• Don’ts: Cut nails too short or dig into corners. This will increase the risk of injury.

Why a One-Minute Daily Foot Check Can Save Your Feet



Along with daily habits, regular foot checks are one of the strongest defenses against developing ulcers. A simple daily check takes less than a minute but can prevent complications, protect your mobility, and keep your feet healthy in the long run. Early action is always the safest approach.

Daily care goes a long way, but sometimes your health needs a little extra support from professionals who know what's best.

At Allmed of Los Angeles, we believe healthcare should be holistic, accessible, and centered around you. Our comprehensive podiatry services are part of that commitment—offering personalized foot care and diabetic wound management so that you can move comfortably and confidently through life.

So, if you’re experiencing foot pain, have concerns with diabetes, or simply want diabetic foot care tips, feel free to reach out to us, and let’s work together to keep you on your feet and moving toward better health.

Because when your feet are healthy, you're free to live life on your terms—and that's exactly what we want for every person in our community.