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Sun, Sand, and Sores: Summer Foot Care for Diabetics Made Simple

Midwest Institute for Non-Surgical Therapy Blog Sun, Sand, and Sores: Summer Foot Care for Diabetics Made Simple

Summer is a time for sunshine and sandals, but if you suffer from diabetes, you’re more at risk of developing diabetic leg sores, foot ulcers and slow-healing wounds. Taking special care of your feet can be challenging under normal circumstances (statistics show that around 1.6 million Americans are affected by a leg ulcer each year), but throw in a mix of heat, humidity, and increased outdoor activities, and even a minor foot issue can turn into a serious complication. This blog post explains the importance of foot care for diabetics, particularly in the summer months, and how to protect yourself or a loved one with practical steps and professional support. So let’s take a closer look….

How Summer Heat Impacts Diabetic Feet and Legs

  1. Increased risk of infection: While many of us enjoy wearing flip-flops and sandals all day to get the air to our feet, it can also cause them to dry out. As a result, the skin’s natural oils diminish, often leaving feet rough or cracked and more susceptible to infection or ulceration.
  2. Hot surfaces equal severe burns: Diabetes can affect nerve sensitivity (diabetic neuropathy), which means that people suffering from the condition may not realise how dangerously hot pavements, concrete, and sand can become in the summer heat until it’s too late. Burns, small cuts and pressure sores may be overlooked until they become serious. Here’s a post we wrote a while ago on recognizing the symptoms of diabetic neuropathy and managing the condition.
  3. Swelling can lead to blisters: It’s not uncommon for feet to swell in summer heat, and this can cause those once comfy shoes to become tight, placing additional pressure on heels and toes, increasing the risk of abrasions or blisters.
  4. Increase outdoor activities - More risk: Hiking, trips to the beach, and other summer adventures are fantastic for your health, but they come with unfamiliar terrain and an increased risk of injuries, particularly if you’re not wearing the appropriate footwear.

So, now you know how summer heat can affect diabetic legs and feet, what can you do to lower your risk of foot and leg complications?

Essential Summer Foot Care For Diabetics

Dry skin and dehydration are two of the most common summer foot problems for patients suffering from diabetes. The combination of outdoor activities and high temperatures can lead to dry, cracked skin resulting from increased sweating and loss of moisture in the feet, making them more susceptible to infections.

Top tip: Drink plenty of water to keep your body well hydrated and apply moisturizer to the feet each day to keep your skin soft and supple.

We also recommend:

Washing and drying the feet daily: Use warm, soapy water to clean your feet each day, drying them thoroughly, particularly between the toes, to help prevent fungal growth.

Foot inspection: Follow up with a careful examination of your feet, looking for signs of swelling, redness, cuts, blisters or any unusual spots. Ask your partner for help when checking the soles of your feet, or use a hand-held mirror if you’re on your own.

Wear protective, breathable shoes: When you’re diabetic, it’s best not to wear flip-flops or walk barefoot, even though it can be tempting in the summer. Instead, choose well-fitting, light-weight shoes that provide full protection and allow airflow. Wear diabetic socks to wick moisture away.

Don’t forget to moisturize (and apply sunscreen): Apply diabetic-friendly moisturizer sparingly to the feet but NOT between the toes. Doing so can create a moist environment that encourages fungal infections and other foot problems. If any part of your feet is exposed, apply sunscreen.

Travel foot-care kit: If you’re planning to travel, keep a foot-care kit by your side. This should include antiseptics, wound dressings, extra socks and a spare pair of shoes. Avoid wearing new shoes for long periods without breaking them in first.

Never put your feet first into a bath or hot tub: If you have diabetic neuropathy, you could easily scald or burn your feet.

Keep up with your podiatry appointments: Attending regular appointments with a podiatrist is a crucial part of foot care for diabetics, no matter what the time of year.  Podiatrists can often catch nerve damage before it happens, give you tips and tricks to help keep your feet feeling and looking healthy, remove calluses and corns safely, catch minor issues before they escalate into serious problems, recommend footwear, and loads more.  

Taking good care of your feet every day is a big step in the right direction, but sometimes, problems can sneak up on you even with the best routine. That’s why it’s equally as important to recognize the signs that something more serious, like poor circulation, could be going on.

Know the Warning Signs of Circulatory Issues

For people living with Type 2 diabetes, poor circulation is a major concern and can increase their risk of limb amputation. Don’t ignore these red flags, which could indicate deeper vascular problems:

Why Vascular Flow Assessment Matters

At Mint STL, we offer non-invasive vascular flow assessments to detect poor circulation early, before it leads to chronic wounds or amputation. This is especially valuable for individuals with diabetic foot ulcers or a history of slow-healing leg sores.

A vascular exam can reveal:

Early detection equates to faster treatment and fewer long-term complications.

Take the First Step Before It Becomes a Setback

Enjoy summer with confidence and safety. Whether you're managing diabetes yourself or supporting a loved one, proactive foot care for diabetics is critical.

Don’t wait for a blister to become a serious problem. Schedule a vascular flow assessment with Mint STL today and take the first step toward safer, healthier feet.

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