Diabetic Foot Care in Seomyeon, Busan

What is diabetic foot care?

High blood sugar over years can damage the nerves in the feet (peripheral neuropathy), reducing pain sensation, and narrow the arteries, reducing blood flow. A small blister, cut or pressure point can then go unnoticed and turn into an ulcer that heals slowly and can become infected. Diabetic foot ulcers are a leading cause of hospital admission and amputation among people with diabetes, yet most are preventable with regular checks and good daily habits.

Who is it for?

Everyone with diabetes, for at least an annual foot examination
People with numbness, tingling, burning or reduced feeling in the feet
Those with calluses, corns, deformities such as bunions or hammer toes, or thick nails
Anyone with a previous ulcer or amputation, who needs more frequent checks
Smokers and people with poor circulation or kidney disease

Seek same-day care for a new wound, spreading redness, swelling, warmth, pus, black or blue skin, or a hot swollen foot. Fever with a foot wound needs urgent hospital assessment.

What happens at the clinic

History: diabetes control, symptoms of neuropathy, previous ulcers, footwear and smoking.
Inspection: skin, nails, between toes, calluses and foot shape.
Sensation tests: a 10 g monofilament and tuning fork assess protective sensation.
Circulation: foot pulses and, if needed, ankle-brachial index or vascular ultrasound.
Risk category and plan: education, footwear advice, podiatry or wound care, and referral to vascular or orthopedic specialists when needed.

Daily self-care

Check your feet every day, using a mirror or asking a family member. Wash in lukewarm water, testing the temperature with your elbow, dry carefully between toes, and moisturise dry skin but not between toes. Cut nails straight across, never cut corns yourself, and avoid heating pads and hot floors, including the traditional heated ondol floor, if sensation is reduced. Wear socks and well-fitting shoes indoors and out. Keeping blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol controlled and stopping smoking protect your feet.

Risks and complications

Untreated ulcers can lead to deep infection, bone infection and amputation. A red, hot, swollen foot without a wound may be Charcot foot, a joint and bone condition requiring urgent offloading.

Choosing a clinic for diabetic foot care in Seomyeon

Ask whether foot examinations are included at least yearly in your diabetes care.
Check that monofilament and circulation testing are performed.
Ask where the clinic refers for wound care and specialist footwear.
Ask how quickly you can be seen if a wound appears.
Request written foot care instructions.

Walking in Busan

Busan's hills and long walks between attractions can cause blisters. Wear broken-in shoes and check your feet each evening, especially when travelling.

How often should people with diabetes have their feet checked?

At least once a year by a healthcare professional, and more often if you have neuropathy, poor circulation, deformities or previous ulcers. Check your own feet every day.

What is the monofilament test?

A thin nylon filament is pressed against several points on the foot to test protective sensation. Not feeling it indicates neuropathy and a higher risk of unnoticed injury.

What should I do if I find a wound on my foot?

Clean it gently, cover it with a sterile dressing, keep pressure off it, and see a doctor the same day. Do not wait to see if it heals on its own.

Can I use a heated floor or hot pack with diabetic neuropathy?

Be careful. Reduced sensation can lead to burns without pain. Avoid sitting directly on hot ondol floors, heating pads or very hot water on your feet.

What shoes are best for diabetic feet?

Well-fitting shoes with enough toe room, cushioned soles and no internal seams or rough spots. Avoid tight shoes, high heels and walking barefoot. Specialist footwear may be advised for deformities.

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