The holiday season is a time for celebration, travel, and spending time with family. But for individuals living with diabetes, the holidays can also bring added challenges such as changes in routine, richer foods, long days on your feet, and colder weather can all increase the risk of foot-related complications. Because diabetes affects circulation and nerve function, caring for your feet is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your long-term health. Scheduling a regular diabetic foot care checkup after the holidays is a proactive way to catch problems early, prevent serious complications, and start the new year with confidence.
Why Foot Care Matters for People With Diabetes
Diabetes can cause nerve damage known as peripheral neuropathy, which reduces your ability to feel pain, pressure, heat, or injuries. At the same time, it can also affect circulation, slowing your body’s natural healing process. When these two factors combine, even small foot injuries like blisters, cuts, or dry, cracked skin can quickly turn into infections or ulcers if not addressed promptly. Because you may not feel the warning signs, issues can progress without you realizing it.
Regular foot care helps you stay one step ahead. By inspecting your feet daily, wearing proper footwear, and staying on top of medical checkups, you can significantly reduce the risk of complications that can lead to hospitalization or, in severe cases, amputation. Prevention is always easier and safer than treatment after a problem develops.
How the Holidays Increase Foot Risks
Even if you’re careful during the rest of the year, the holiday season can disrupt healthy habits. Many people with diabetes walk more when shopping, traveling, or attending events, which increases friction and the possibility of blisters. Others may wear dress shoes that are less supportive or not properly fitted. Cold weather can cause dry, cracked skin, making it easier for bacteria to enter. Diet changes may temporarily affect your blood sugar levels, which also impacts circulation and healing.
These seasonal shifts can strain your feet more than usual, making a post-holiday checkup especially important. Whether or not you feel any discomfort, it’s wise to let a professional take a look.
What a Post-Holiday Foot Check Can Reveal
A foot check performed by a podiatrist goes far beyond what you’re able to observe at home. During the exam, a podiatrist will evaluate your circulation, nerve sensitivity, skin condition, and any signs of pressure points or deformities. They may also identify early warning signs you might miss, such as:
- Changes in skin color or temperature
- Minor sores or ulcers
- Hammertoes, bunions, or structural changes
- Thickened or fungal nails
- Areas of decreased sensation
These early signs can be addressed before they progress into something more serious. Catching issues early leads to easier treatment, fewer complications, and better long-term foot health.
Simple Daily Foot Care Habits That Make a Difference
While regular professional foot checkups are essential, your daily routine plays a major role in keeping your feet healthy. A few key habits include:
- Inspect your feet every day for cuts, swelling, redness, blisters, or nail changes.
- Wash and thoroughly dry your feet, paying special attention to between your toes.
- Apply moisturizer to prevent cracking, but avoid the toe spaces.
- Always wear supportive, well-fitted shoes—even indoors.
- Trim your nails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails.
- Keep your blood sugar levels within your target range.
These steps only take a few minutes but offer powerful protection.
Start the New Year With Healthy Feet by Calling Cure Podiatry & Wound Care
As the holiday season winds down, prioritizing your health sets a strong foundation for the year ahead. Scheduling a regular foot check after the holidays is a simple, preventive measure that can safeguard your mobility, comfort, and well-being. Keeping your feet healthy means staying active, independent, and ready for everything the new year has in store.
Cure Podiatry & Wound Care provides quality podiatric care in a family-friendly setting. We pride ourselves in not only diagnosing and treating your wound, but also educating our patients. Dr. Mahzoon, an ABPM Board Certified Podiatrist with extensive experience in wound care provides excellent foot and ankle care. We will work closely with your primary care doctor and other specialists to formulate the best course of treatment. If you are in need of diabetic foot care, contact us to schedule an appointment at our offices in Royston or Athens.
Cure Podiatry & Wound Care
1135 Prince Ave
Athens, GA 30606
706-405-7773