Diabetic Foot Care: Early Signs, Causes & Simple Home Remedies

Diabetic foot is a problem caused by diabetes, mainly due to nerve damage - neuropathy, poor circulation, and infection, which can lead to ulcers and, in severe cases, amputation.  Proper daily foot care, including wearing appropriate footwear and sugar control is necessary.

Causes

• Nerve Damage (Neuropathy), poor blood flow, Slower healing

• More risk of infection

• High Sugar Weakens Immunity

• Infections grow faster

Symptoms

• Tingling or burning in feet

• Numbness

• Cold feet

• Cracks or dry skin

• Corns or calluses

• Swelling

• Slow-healing wound

• Blackish skin (danger sign)

• Bad smell from the wound

Dangerous signs: Pus, foot wound, black or blue skin patches, deep ulcers, sudden severe pain in one foot. Seek doctor advice for these.

Home care

• Wash feet with warm water and moisturize feet daily

• Proper footwear

• Soft, wide-toe diabetic shoes

• Avoid walking barefoot

• Avoid tight shoes or sandals

• Keep sugar levels under control

• Keep nails short

• Daily yoga to improve blood circulation in whole body

• Walk daily

• Avoid smoking and alcohol

Sujok Therapy

For circulation and nerve support, use a Sujok ring and role it on the fingers. Do not wear it. Apply ajwain or methi seeds on highlighted area (see figure). Use a medical adhesive tape to hold them in place. Keep them for two-three hours daily.

Published on: Sunday, November 23, 2025, 12:00 AM IST