How A Foot Doctor Might Help You Manage A Blister When You Have Diabetes

Blisters can be painful and annoying, and they can also be a cause for concern when you have diabetes. A foot injury is more serious when you have nerve damage, poor circulation, and high blood glucose. If you're already under the care of a foot doctor for your diabetes, they may have told you to call them when you have any type of injury.

This allows you to get quick and proper treatment so a blister doesn't get infected and lead to a foot ulcer. Here are some things a foot doctor might do for your blister and ways to prevent foot blisters in the future.

Treating Friction Blisters

People who don't have diabetes may not need to see a foot doctor for treatment when they get a blister. When you have diabetes, your risk of infection is higher, so proper care may be required. If the blister is large and interfering with the way you walk, the podiatrist may puncture the blister so it can drain. Then they may apply antibiotic ointment and put a bandage over it to keep the broken skin clean. You may need follow-up visits until your foot has healed.

If you have a smaller blister caused by friction from socks or shoes, your podiatrist might cover the blister with a blister bandage and give you antibiotic ointment to apply at home. They'll probably encourage you not to pop the blister because that increases the risk of infection. The doctor may also want you to examine the blister area every day to look for changes that might indicate an ulcer is forming.

Monitoring For A Foot Ulcer

When you have diabetes and get a foot injury, a foot ulcer is a possible complication due to reduced blood flow to the area. An ulcer is much more serious than a blister, and your foot doctor may want to start more aggressive treatment and monitor you closely if an ulcer develops.

However, if you stay off your foot to stop the friction, wear shoes and socks that don't rub the blister, and keep the blister covered, it may heal without further problems. If the blister makes it impossible to wear shoes, your podiatrist may provide you with some sort of walking boot since it's not usually a good idea to go barefoot when you have diabetes.

Recognizing Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Diabetics often develop foot blisters in clusters for unknown reasons that aren't related to friction. These diabetic blisters usually go away without complications, and they usually aren't painful. The blisters may itch, but you shouldn't scratch them or you might break your skin. If you get these blisters on your feet, let your podiatrist know so they can determine if you need care.

Preventing Problems With Blisters

The shoes and socks you wear are important for your foot health when you have diabetes. Your podiatrist may want you to avoid socks with seams that can rub your feet. They may want you to wear shoes with wide toes that support your arches. You might need to wear padded orthotics to prevent rubbing on your feet.

Also, monitor your feet every day. When you have diabetes and poor sensation, you can get a foot injury and not know it. By checking your feet daily, you can spot a blister early and call your foot doctor for advice. Plus, try to keep your blood sugar under control by following your diet and taking medications as prescribed so you can reduce the risk of problems with your feet.