To healthfully manage this condition and enjoy Idaho’s abundant hiking trails and lake activities requires specific foot care strategies and preparation, but you can absolutely participate in these adventures safely—especially with tips from Rocky Mountain Foot & Ankle.
Our foot care professionals help patients throughout Meridian and Caldwell with proper planning, appropriate footwear recommendations, and other diabetic foot care tips for summer outdoor activities. Let’s take a closer look at what helps you make the most of the season’s fun.
5 Steps to Safe Outdoor Activities for People With Diabetes ![active-older-woman-swimming-in-mountain-lake]()
Rather than letting diabetes concerns keep you indoors, these five strategies help you avoid potential problems and confidently maintain your active lifestyle.
Step 1: Pre-Activity Foot Inspection and Preparation
Starting each adventure with a thorough examination sets the foundation for safe diabetic foot care. Check both feet carefully, looking for cuts, blisters, redness, swelling, or any changes in skin color or temperature. Pay special attention to areas between your toes, where moisture can accumulate and cause problems.
Clean your feet thoroughly with mild soap and warm water, then dry them completely, especially between the toes. Apply a thin layer of moisturizer to prevent cracking, but avoid putting lotion between your toes where excess moisture can lead to fungal infections.
Also, check your blood sugar levels before heading outdoors, as elevated glucose can impair healing and increase infection risk.
Step 2: Essential Footwear Selection
Proper footwear serves as your first line of defense during outdoor activities with diabetes. Choose shoes that fit well without being too tight or too loose, leaving about a thumb's width of space between your longest toe and the shoe's end. Shop for new shoes in the afternoon when your feet are naturally slightly swollen.
Invest in moisture-wicking socks made from synthetic materials or merino wool rather than cotton, which retains moisture and can cause blisters. For exploring Idaho's numerous trails, select hiking boots with excellent ankle support and cushioned soles. When participating in water activities, wear protective swim shoes rather than going barefoot to protect against rocky lake bottoms and hot surfaces.
Step 3: Daily Diabetic Foot Care Routines During Active Periods
Maintaining consistent diabetic foot care becomes even more important during periods of increased outdoor activity. Stop periodically to remove shoes and socks, checking for hot spots, blisters and other wounds, or debris that might have entered your footwear. Change socks immediately if they become wet from perspiration or water exposure.
After outdoor activities, wash your feet again with mild soap and lukewarm water. Dry thoroughly and apply moisturizer to prevent cracking. Check for any new cuts, bruises, or areas of concern that developed during your adventure. Keep a foot care journal documenting daily inspections and any problems discovered.
Step 4: Specific Outdoor Activity Considerations
Idaho's diverse terrain and climate present unique challenges for diabetic foot care during outdoor activities. Rocky surfaces increase the risk of cuts and puncture wounds, so make sure your footwear has thick soles. High-altitude hiking can cause feet to swell more than usual, so adjust your shoes and socks to accommodate this change.
The Treasure Valley’s hot summer temperatures can cause rapid dehydration and affect blood sugar control. Plan outdoor activities for early morning or late evening hours when it’s cooler, carry extra water, and test blood sugar levels more frequently during hot weather.
Step 5: Emergency Foot Care—And When to Seek an Idaho Foot Doctor’s Help
Pack a basic first aid kit specifically designed for foot care, including:
- Antiseptic wipes
- Bandages
- Moleskin for blister prevention
- Glucose tablets
If you discover a cut or wound during activity, clean it immediately with antiseptic and cover with a sterile bandage. During your daily checks, monitor the injury closely for signs of infection, including increased redness, warmth, swelling, or discharge.
Know the location of urgent care facilities near your outdoor activity destinations to prevent delays in seeking treatment if emergencies arise. Additionally, contact one of our podiatrists immediately if you experience any loss of sensation in your feet, changes in skin color, persistent pain that doesn't improve with rest, or any wound that appears infected.
At Rocky Mountain Foot & Ankle, we believe that managing diabetes shouldn't limit your love for Idaho's outdoor adventures. Our foot care specialists are dedicated to not only providing diabetic foot care tips but also partnering with you for long-term health.