Diabetes and your feet: Essential Care for a healthy future

Living with diabetes means taking extra care of your feet. High blood sugar levels can lead to nerve damage (neuropathy) and poor circulation, increasing the risk of foot problems. Without proper attention, minor cuts or blisters can turn into serious complications. At Umina Podiatry, we believe proactive foot care is essential to maintaining mobility and preventing complications.

Why is foot care important for people with diabetes?

Diabetes can affect the feet in several ways:

  • Neuropathy – Loss of sensation can make it difficult to detect injuries.
  • Poor circulation – Reduced blood flow slows healing, increasing infection risks.
  • Increased risk of infection – Even small wounds can develop into serious ulcers.

 

Essential tips for diabetes foot care

To keep your feet healthy, follow these essential steps:

  1. Daily Foot Checks: Examine your feet every day for cuts, blisters, redness, or swelling. If you have difficulty seeing your feet, use a mirror or ask for help.

     

  2. Wash and Moisturise: Wash feet daily with lukewarm water and mild soap. Dry thoroughly, especially between the toes, and apply moisturiser to prevent cracking (but avoid the spaces between the toes to prevent fungal infections).

     

  3. Trim Nails Carefully: Cut nails straight across and file the edges to prevent ingrown toenails. If you have difficulty trimming your nails, a podiatrist can assist.

     

  4. Wear Proper Footwear: Choose well-fitting shoes with adequate cushioning and support. Avoid walking barefoot, even indoors, to prevent injuries.

     

  5. Manage Blood Sugar Levels: Keeping your blood sugar within a healthy range helps reduce the risk of nerve damage and circulation problems.

  6. Seek Professional Foot Care: Regular podiatry check-ups help detect issues early and prevent complications. At Umina Podiatry, we offer specialised diabetes foot assessments and treatments, which includes regular blood flow measurements.

 

Warning signs that require immediate attention

If you notice any of the following, seek medical care immediately:

  • Cuts or wounds that do not heal
  • Swelling or redness
  • Burning or tingling sensations
  • Changes in skin colour or temperature

 

How Umina Podiatry can help

At Umina Podiatry, we provide comprehensive diabetes foot care, including:

  • Diabetic foot assessments
  • Nail and skin care
  • Custom orthotics and footwear advice
  • Wound care and ulcer prevention

 

Taking proactive steps to care for your feet can help prevent serious complications and maintain mobility. Book an appointment with Umina Podiatry today and give your feet the care they deserve!

Book online or call (02) 4342 2878

    Where can healthy feet take you...

    Can I Treat an Ingrown Toenail at Home?

    If symptoms are very mild, you may be able to:

    • Soak the foot in warm salt water
    • Keep the area clean and dry
    • Wear wider footwear
    • Avoid digging at the nail with scissors or sharp tools

    However, attempting "bathroom surgery" often makes the problem worse and can introduce infection.

    If pain, swelling, or infection is present, professional treatment is recommended.

     

    Frequently Asked Questions About Ingrown Toenails

    1. Will an ingrown toenail go away on its own?

    Sometimes a very mild ingrown toenail may settle with proper nail care and reduced pressure. However, many cases progressively worsen without treatment.

    2. What does an ingrown toenail feel like?

    Most people experience tenderness along the side of the nail, especially when wearing shoes, walking, or touching the area.

    3. How do I know if my toenail is ingrown?

    Common signs include pain along the nail edge, redness, swelling, and a sensation that the nail is digging into the skin.

    4. Can children get ingrown toenails?

    Yes. Ingrown toenails are common in teenagers and children, particularly during growth spurts or when nails are cut incorrectly.

    5. Why does my ingrown toenail keep coming back?

    Recurring cases are often linked to nail shape, genetics, footwear, sporting activity, or incomplete treatment of previous episodes.

    6. Is ingrown toenail surgery painful?

    The procedure itself is usually comfortable because a local anaesthetic is used. Most people experience only mild discomfort afterwards.

    7. How long does recovery take after nail surgery?

    Most patients return to normal daily activities within a few days, although complete healing typically takes several weeks.

    8. Can I still work after ingrown toenail treatment?

    Many patients return to desk-based work the same day or the following day. Physically demanding jobs may require a short recovery period.

    9. Can I play sport with an ingrown toenail?

    Mild cases may allow continued participation, but painful or infected nails often worsen with sporting activity.

    10. Are ingrown toenails hereditary?

    Yes. Curved nails and certain toe shapes can run in families and increase the likelihood of ingrown toenails.

    11. What is the best way to cut toenails?

    Trim nails straight across and avoid rounding the corners. Nails should not be cut excessively short.

    12. Can tight shoes cause ingrown toenails?

    Absolutely. Footwear that compresses the toes is a major contributing factor.

    13. Can ingrown toenails become infected?

    Yes. Broken skin around the nail creates an opening for bacteria to enter.

    14. What happens if an infected ingrown toenail is left untreated?

    The infection can spread into surrounding tissue and, in rare cases, cause more significant health issues.

    15. Are antibiotics enough to fix an ingrown toenail?

    Antibiotics may help manage infection but often do not address the actual nail causing the problem.

    16. Can diabetics get ingrown toenails?

    Yes, and they should seek treatment promptly due to the increased risk of complications.

    17. Does soaking help an ingrown toenail?

    Warm salt-water soaks may provide temporary relief and help keep the area clean but are not always a definitive treatment.

    18. Why do teenagers get so many ingrown toenails?

    Teenagers often experience increased sweating, changes in nail growth, sporting demands, and footwear pressures that contribute to ingrown toenails.

    19. Can pregnancy increase the risk of ingrown toenails?

    Pregnancy-related swelling and difficulty reaching the feet for nail care can increase the likelihood of developing ingrown toenails.

    20. How successful is permanent ingrown toenail surgery?

    Permanent nail procedures generally have very high success rates and are considered the gold standard for recurrent ingrown toenails.

    21. Can I pull out the ingrown section myself?

    This is not recommended. Attempting self-treatment frequently worsens pain, infection, and tissue damage.

    22. How long should I wait before seeing a podiatrist?

    If symptoms persist for more than a few days, are becoming worse, or show signs of infection, book an appointment promptly.

    23. Will I lose my whole toenail?

    Not usually. Most procedures remove only the problematic edge rather than the entire nail.

    24. Can ingrown toenails affect both sides of the nail?

    Yes. Some people develop ingrowing on both borders of the same toenail.

    25. How can I prevent ingrown toenails?

    Prevention strategies include:

    • Cutting nails straight across
    • Wearing properly fitted footwear
    • Managing sweaty feet
    • Avoiding trauma to the toes
    • Seeking early treatment when symptoms develop

     

    Don't ignore a painful toenail

    Don't let a painful ingrown toenail stop you from enjoying your daily activities. The earlier an ingrown toenail is assessed and treated, the easier it is to relieve discomfort, prevent infection, and avoid ongoing problems. Whether you're experiencing your first ingrown toenail or you're struggling with a recurring issue, professional podiatry care can provide effective, long-term solutions tailored to your needs.

    If you have pain, redness, swelling, or signs of infection, contact Umina Podiatry today to book an assessment. Our experienced podiatrists can help you find relief quickly and keep your feet healthy, comfortable, and pain-free. Call our clinic or book online to take the first step toward lasting ingrown toenail relief.

     

     

    Call us on 4342 2878 or jump online to book an assessment. 

     

    Where can healthy feet take you...

    You've put up with it long enough. 👣 Sore feet, heel pain, tingling, nail changes or aches that keep coming back deserve attention. This #PodiatryWeek2026, take the first step and get it checked. 💙 Umina Podiatry | Book today.
    Let's clear up a few things about podiatry, straight from the people who do it. “Podiatrists only deal with nails and corns.” Not even close. “You only need to see one if something's already gone wrong.” Not true, we help you stay ahead of problems too. “It's not a ‘real’ health profession.” Podiatrists are registered, university-qualified health professionals. This Podiatry Week, we're setting the record straight on what podiatry really covers from sports and biomechanics to diabetes care, paediatrics and beyond. Book an appointment with us today #PodiatryWeek2026
    👣 Sound familiar? Too many people put up with foot and leg pain longer than they need to. The good news? Help may be closer than you think. Swipe through to see some of the most common things we hear in clinic ➡️ #PodiatryWeek2026
    👣 It's Podiatry Week 2026! Your feet do more than you think. And so do podiatrists. More than just looking after nails and calluses, podiatrists are registered health professionals who help with everything from sports injuries and diabetes-related foot care to children's growing feet, arthritis, biomechanics and mobility in older age. In fact, the APodA's Australian Foot Health Survey found that over half of Australians surveyed had experienced ongoing lower-limb pain that affected their daily life, cutting into walking, exercise and the ability to stay active. This week, we're celebrating the profession and everything a podiatrist can help you with. If something's been niggling, now's a great time to get it checked. 🔗 Click the link in our bio or get in touch to book an appointment today! #PodiatryWeek2026
    From Woy Woy Roosters juniors to the NRL Grand Final! Umina Podiatry is joining the whole Peninsula in cheering on local boy Bradman Best this weekend. Best feet forward, Bradman! 🏉👟 #gotheknights #newcastleknights