If you’re living with diabetes, you’ve probably been told to keep an eye on your feet — but not everyone knows why foot care is so vital, or what they should be looking for.

At Thrive Body Clinic, we regularly see patients with diabetes who come in with foot pain, balance issues, or changes in walking patterns. Sometimes these are caused by reduced sensation, sometimes by muscle and joint stiffness, and sometimes they’re early warning signs of something more serious.

In this blog, we’ll explore the important connection between diabetes and foot health, and how osteopathy can support you in keeping your feet — and the rest of your body — moving well.

Why Are Feet at Risk in Diabetes?

Diabetes can cause changes in both circulation and nerve function, especially in the lower limbs. Over time, this can lead to:

🔸 Reduced Sensation (Peripheral Neuropathy)

You might not feel small injuries, blisters, or pressure areas developing — which means they can go unnoticed and untreated.

🔸 Poor Circulation

Restricted blood flow means slower healing. Even minor wounds can take longer to recover, and the risk of infection is higher.

🔸 Altered Mechanics

Foot shape can change over time due to nerve or muscle involvement, which affects how you walk. This can lead to pressure points and joint pain further up the body (like knees, hips, or back).

What to Look Out For

Getting into the habit of checking your feet daily can help catch small issues before they become big problems. Here’s what to watch for:

✅ Blisters – even if they don’t hurt
✅ Cracks or dry skin – especially around the heels
✅ Ulcers or wounds – that don’t seem to heal
✅ Redness, swelling, or heat – possible signs of infection
✅ Ingrown toenails or thickened nails
✅ Corns, calluses, or hard skin – which can mask injuries underneath
✅ Changes in colour or temperature – such as cold, pale toes

If you spot anything concerning — or if something just doesn’t feel right — contact your GP, diabetes nurse, or podiatrist as soon as possible.

Working with a Podiatrist

In the UK, people with diabetes are usually entitled to annual foot checks as part of their NHS diabetes care. These are often carried out by a podiatrist (a foot health specialist).

A podiatrist can:

• Check for nerve damage and reduced circulation
• Trim nails safely (especially if there’s a risk of cuts or infections)
• Remove hard skin or corns to reduce pressure
• Treat wounds and ulcers
• Advise on footwear and orthotics

If you’ve not had a foot check in the past year, speak to your GP practice or diabetes team.

Where Does Osteopathy Fit In?

You might not think of seeing an osteopath for your feet — but we can play a valuable role in your overall mobility, comfort, and walking mechanics.

At Thrive Body Clinic, here’s how we help:

✅ Lower Limb Mobility

We use gentle techniques to reduce stiffness in the ankles, knees, hips, and lower back — helping you move more freely and comfortably.

✅ Gait & Posture Support

If you’ve altered the way you walk due to foot pain or nerve changes, we can identify compensations and help you rebalance your movement. This helps protect your joints and reduce the risk of further injury.

✅ Circulation Support

Osteopathic techniques may help improve blood flow to the lower limbs by easing tension in muscles and fascia, encouraging healthy movement, and promoting venous return.

✅ Pain Relief

We can support people with plantar fasciitis, calf cramps, hip or back pain, and other secondary issues caused by how your feet are moving or compensating.

✅ Collaboration

We often work alongside podiatrists, GPs, and diabetes teams — especially when multiple professionals are involved in keeping you on your feet.

Real-Life Foot Care Tips

Looking after your feet doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are five things you can start doing today:

👀 Check your feet daily
Use a mirror or ask someone to help if needed. Look for redness, swelling, or broken skin.

🧼 Keep them clean and dry
Wash daily in warm (not hot) water and dry thoroughly, especially between the toes.

🧦 Wear the right socks
Choose soft, seamless, breathable socks that don’t pinch or rub.

👟 Choose supportive footwear
Well-fitting shoes with cushioning and good support can prevent pressure points and reduce injury risk. Avoid walking barefoot — even indoors.

🦶 Keep moving
Even short, regular walks improve circulation and keep muscles engaged. If mobility is limited, gentle seated exercises can help too.

Final Thoughts

Your feet might seem like a small part of your health picture, but for someone with diabetes, they play a huge role in independence, confidence, and wellbeing. A tiny injury today can turn into a bigger issue tomorrow — so it’s worth taking care now.

If you’re noticing stiffness, pain, or balance issues — or if you just want to move better and reduce your risk of problems — we’re here to help.

📍At Thrive Body Clinic, we support people with diabetes every week — and we’d be happy to help you feel more confident on your feet.

📆 Next week in our series:
“Frozen Shoulder and Diabetes: What’s the Connection?”