6 Tips to Treat Swollen Feet from Diabetes

Diabetes is a widespread condition across the globe, and it’s no secret that it comes with its share of challenges—one of the most common and uncomfortable being swollen feet. 

“A diabetic patient is at a higher risk of developing foot-related complications due to factors such as reduced circulation, nerve damage (neuropathy), and a decreased ability to heal wounds,” says podiatrist Dr. Steven Gershman.

But there’s a silver lining: with the right steps, this diabetic foot problem can be managed effectively.

Here’s what you need to know about treating swollen feet from diabetes.

Understanding swollen feet in diabetics

Before explaining how to treat swollen feet from diabetes, we need to first discuss why diabetic feet tend to swell. 

Swollen feet, also known as edema, develop when excess fluid builds up in the tissues, usually in the legs, ankles and feet. While it might sound like a minor inconvenience, this swelling can cause discomfort, pain, and even limit your ability to move around.

The cause of this fluid buildup in the feet is that diabetes can impact circulation and nerve health over time - two key factors that directly influence foot health. To effectively treat swollen feet from diabetes, it's important to first understand what’s causing the swelling. 

Causes of swelling in diabetic feet

Before explaining how to treat swollen feet from diabetes, we need to first discuss why diabetic feet tend to swell. 

Swollen feet, also known as edema, develop when excess fluid builds up in the tissues, usually in the legs, ankles and feet. While it might sound like a minor inconvenience, this swelling can cause discomfort, pain, and even limit your ability to move around. The cause of this excess fluid in the feet is that diabetes can impact circulation and nerve health over time - two key factors that directly influence foot health. To effectively treat swollen feet from diabetes, it's important to first understand what’s causing the swelling. 

Poor circulation

Poor blood circulation is the main cause of swollen feet in diabetics. High blood sugar can make your arteries stiff and narrow—a condition known as atherosclerosis. This narrowing reduces blood flow to the legs and feet, limiting the amount of oxygen and nutrients your tissues get [1].

To make matters worse, when blood flow to the lower extremities is reduced, fluid can start to pool in the surrounding tissues, leading to noticeable swelling. This excess fluid isn't just uncomfortable—it can also increase the risk of further complications if left unmanaged.

Nerve damage (neuropathy)

As mentioned earlier, a high blood sugar level can harm the nerves in the body, especially in the lower legs and feet. When these nerves aren’t working properly, the body’s ability to regulate fluid balance can be affected [1]. 

Diabetic neuropathy also typically causes numbness or a loss of sensation in the feet. Without feeling pain or discomfort, it’s easy to overlook injuries like sprains, fractures, or even infections. These unnoticed injuries can trigger swelling as the body reacts to the damage. 

It’s worth noting that sensory neuropathy, which affects as many as 60% to 70% of people with diabetes according to the American Diabetes Association, typically begins with symptoms like pins and needles, or hypersensitivity, before progressing to a complete loss of sensation [2].

Kidney dysfunction

The kidneys’ main job is to filter out waste and extra fluid from the blood. When they are damaged, as often happens in people with diabetes, they can no longer perform this function effectively, and kidney disease can cause a buildup of waste and excess fluid in the body [3]. As a result, the body starts to retain fluid, which can lead to swelling, particularly in the feet and legs.

Such kidney damage typically develops over time, as high blood sugar levels damage the blood vessels in the kidneys, making these essential organs less efficient and leading to kidney dysfunction over time. High blood pressure, which is common among diabetics, can also contribute to kidney problems and make it harder for the kidneys to filter out waste and fluids properly.

High blood pressure

People with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing high blood pressure, or hypertension, which can make swelling in the feet worse. This is a direct effect of high blood glucose levels, which damage the blood vessels and nerves that help regulate the heart and blood flow, leading to heart and circulation issues. When your blood pressure is high, your heart has to work harder to pump blood, which puts extra strain on the blood vessels [4].

As a result, this can lead to fluid retention, increasing the risk of swelling in the feet and legs.

Diabetes swollen feet home remedy: 6 effective ways to manage swollen feet

Now, we finally arrived at the main event: here’s how to treat swollen feet from diabetes. 

1. Elevating your feet

One of the easiest ways to reduce swelling in your feet - what some might even call a home remedy for diabetes swollen feet - is raising them above your heart. This helps blood that has pooled in your feet flow back up, improving circulation in both your feet and legs. 

You can elevate your feet by propping them up with pillows or using any method that feels comfortable for you. 

2. Staying active

Getting regular, gentle exercise, like walking, is a great way to boost blood circulation and reduce swelling, especially if you spend long hours sitting or standing during the day. To ensure your feet stay protected and comfortable, it's important to wear the right diabetic socks and shoes when staying active. What are diabetic socks? These specialized socks help to reduce friction, control moisture, and improve circulation, offering extra comfort for sensitive feet. Moving your body helps blood flow better, which can keep your feet from getting too swollen. 

If high-impact activities are tough on your feet, low-impact exercises like swimming or cycling are great alternatives, or any other physical activity that won’t put extra strain on your feet. Studies have found that regular exercise, particularly a mix of aerobic and strength training, can also help keep your blood sugar levels in check.

3. Compression socks

Compression socks are designed to gently apply pressure, which helps keep blood circulating properly and prevents it from pooling in your lower extremities, reducing swelling in the ankles, feet and legs. Wearing these socks is an effective way to support healthy blood flow and reduce swelling in your feet and legs. Compression socks offer a snug fit without being restrictive, so they won’t cut off circulation. 

Naturally, this raises the question: can diabetics wear compression socks? The answer is yes, but with proper precautions. However, it’s crucial to select compression socks with the right level of pressure and ensure they fit well to avoid restricting blood flow. Consulting with a healthcare professional before using compression socks is always a good idea.

Compression socks can be especially helpful if you’re on your feet a lot or need to sit for long periods. Note that the best compression socks are made from comfortable, breathable materials to keep your feet feeling good throughout the day, and should be white to help you detect any wounds in your feet.

4. Maintaining a healthy weight

Keeping a healthy weight can make a big difference in reducing pressure on your feet. Carrying extra weight puts more strain on the lower part of your legs and can affect circulation, leading to swelling.

By managing your weight, you’re not only helping to keep your blood sugar levels in check, but you’re also supporting better blood flow and easing strain on your joints. This can make a noticeable difference in how your feet feel, while also lowering your risk for other health issues like heart disease and joint pain.

5. Monitoring blood sugar levels

Keeping your blood sugar levels under control can help you avoid complications like foot swelling and nerve damage.

Consistently balancing your blood sugar can help slow down or even prevent further damage to your blood vessels and nerves, which is crucial for overall foot health. This basically means maintaining a healthy diet, rich in vegetables, fruits, healthy fats, and lean proteins. If you need help planning your meals, seeing a dietitian can be a good step.

Tying into our previous tips, getting regular exercise also helps maintain a healthy weight and blood sugar levels, and helps improve circulation - all of which can prevent diabetic foot swelling and other foot problems down the road.

6. Proper footwear

Wearing the right diabetic shoes for men or women diabetic shoes is always important for foot health, but it’s especially crucial if you have diabetes. Whether you're walking, running, or engaging in other activities, the right footwear will support your feet and minimize risks when running with diabetes. The difference between diabetic shoes and regular shoes lies in their design features, such as cushioned insoles, extra depth, and a spacious toe box, all of which provide additional comfort and prevent pressure points that could lead to complications.

Shoes recommended for diabetics typically come with features like cushioned insoles, a soft, seam-free interior, and a wider toe box to reduce pressure and discomfort. These shoes are built with extra attention to detail to keep your feet comfortable throughout the day. 

When choosing shoes, it’s important to understand the benefits of diabetic shoes and find a pair that fits your feet properly. Many standard shoe brands don’t accommodate wide or swollen feet, but specialized brands often offer extended widths that are better for managing swelling and providing the support your feet need.

When to See a Doctor

While many people can manage mild foot swelling with home remedies, it's essential to recognize when professional help is needed. If your feet become excessively swollen or the swelling persists despite your efforts, it's time to see a doctor.

Signs that you should consult a healthcare provider include:

• Persistent swelling that doesn’t improve with elevation or rest

• Severe pain or tenderness in the feet

• Redness, warmth, or changes in skin color around the swollen area

• Difficulty moving or walking due to swelling

• Open wounds, cuts, or infections on the feet

Why are orthopedic shoes the best type of footwear for individuals with foot swelling or diabetes? Orthopedic shoes are designed to reduce pressure on your feet and provide the necessary support for better circulation, which can be crucial in managing swelling. 

Diabetes can lead to complications that may require more intensive medical intervention. Your doctor can assess the underlying causes of your foot swelling and recommend personalized treatments, including medications or therapies to manage the condition effectively.