We often use pain as a warning that something is wrong. A sore heel, tender toenail or painful blister usually gets our attention quickly.
However, if you are living with diabetes, some foot problems can develop without causing obvious pain. This is one reason regular foot checks and diabetic podiatry assessments are important, even when your feet feel completely fine.
Not everyone with diabetes will experience reduced sensation or develop a serious foot problem. However, understanding what to look for can help you recognise changes early and seek professional advice when needed.
Can a Diabetic Foot Problem Develop Without Pain?
Yes. Diabetes can sometimes affect the nerves in the feet. This is known as diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
Nerve changes may cause tingling, burning, unusual sensitivity or numbness. In some cases, they can reduce your ability to feel pressure, heat, cold or an injury.
This means a blister, cut, corn or area of rubbing may not feel as uncomfortable as expected. You may continue walking on the area without realising it needs attention.
Diabetes can also affect circulation. Reduced blood flow may make it more difficult for an injury to heal normally and can increase the importance of recognising foot changes promptly.
You can learn more about why circulation and nerve changes matter for diabetic feet.
What Foot Problems May Go Unnoticed?
Reduced sensation can make it harder to recognise relatively small injuries and areas of pressure.
Problems that may not initially cause noticeable pain include:
- Blisters caused by rubbing footwear
- Small cuts, scratches or splinters
- Corns and calluses
- Cracked or broken skin
- An ingrown toenail
- Pressure from a seam, stone or damaged shoe lining
- Burns caused by hot surfaces, heaters or water
- Areas of redness or swelling
- A wound that is healing more slowly than expected
The absence of pain does not automatically mean a problem is serious. It simply means that visual checks become an important part of understanding what is happening with your feet.
Why Are Corns and Calluses Important?
Corns and calluses develop in response to repeated pressure or friction. When sensation is reduced, an area of hard skin may become thicker without causing the level of discomfort that would normally encourage someone to change their footwear or seek treatment.
Pressure can continue building underneath the area, which is why corns and calluses should be professionally assessed rather than cut, shaved or treated with over-the-counter corn products.
The Foot Stop provides professional corn and callus treatment, including assessment of the pressure or friction contributing to the problem.
How to Check Your Feet Each Day
A daily check does not need to take long. The goal is to become familiar with what is normal for your feet so that changes are easier to recognise.
Check:
- The tops and sides of both feet
- The soles and heels
- Between each toe
- Around the edges of the toenails
- Areas where your shoes regularly rub
Look for redness, swelling, bruising, blisters, cuts, cracked skin, discharge, changes in colour or areas that feel unusually warm or cold.
If you have difficulty seeing the bottom of your feet, use a mirror or ask a family member or carer to help.
Check Inside Your Shoes Too
A small object inside a shoe can create pressure without being immediately noticed. Before putting your shoes on, check inside for stones, rough seams, damaged lining or anything else that could rub against your skin.
Your shoes should provide enough length, width and depth for your feet without allowing excessive movement. Socks should also fit comfortably without tight bands or rough seams pressing against the skin.
If you are unsure whether your shoes are suitable, visit our footwear advice page or bring your regular shoes to your next podiatry appointment.
What Does a Diabetic Foot Assessment Involve?
A diabetic foot assessment is not only for people who already have pain or an injury.
Depending on your individual needs, a podiatrist may assess:
- Circulation and blood flow to the feet
- Sensation and nerve function
- Skin and toenail health
- Corns, calluses and areas of pressure
- Foot shape and joint position
- Footwear fit and condition
- Your current foot care routine
The assessment can help identify your current level of foot health and provide practical advice based on your personal risk factors.
Read more about what happens during diabetic foot screening.
How Often Should Your Feet Be Professionally Checked?
Diabetes Australia recommends that people living with diabetes have a thorough foot examination with a GP or podiatrist at least once each year.
Some people may need more frequent appointments depending on their circulation, sensation, foot shape, skin health, previous injuries and overall medical history.
Your podiatrist, GP or diabetes healthcare team can advise you on an appropriate review schedule.
When Should You Seek Advice?
Arrange professional advice if you notice a new blister, cut, corn, callus, ingrown toenail, unusual swelling or another change that is not improving as expected.
Seek prompt medical attention if you notice:
- A wound or break in the skin
- Redness, warmth or swelling
- Discharge or a possible sign of infection
- A sudden change in the colour or temperature of your foot
- A new area of numbness or loss of sensation
- A foot injury that is not healing normally
Do not wait for the area to become painful before having it checked.
Diabetic Foot Care on the Gold Coast
The Foot Stop provides professional diabetic foot care on the Gold Coast, including foot health assessments, circulation and sensation checks, skin and nail care, footwear advice and ongoing management.
For people who find it difficult to attend the clinic, we also provide home visit podiatry across eligible Gold Coast areas.
If you are due for a diabetic foot assessment or have noticed a change in your feet, request an appointment with The Foot Stop.