1. Take care of your diabetes.
- Work with your health care team to keep your blood sugar within a good range.
- Watch your diet and medication and follow your doctor’s instructions.
2. Wash your feet every day.
- Avoid hot water – wash your feet in warm water every day.
- Dry your feet well and be sure to dry between the toes, too.
3. Keep the skin soft and smooth.
- Rub a thin coat of skin lotion over the tops and bottoms of your feet, but not between your toes.
- There are plenty of diabetic foot care lotions available over the counter – ask your doctor or a pharmacist to help you pick one.
4. Smooth corns and calluses gently.
- Do not use razors or other sharp objects to remove or corns or calluses!
- Do not use over-the-counter corn or callus remover products.
- If your feet are at low risk for problems, use a delicate pumice stone to smooth corns and calluses.
5. Take care of your toenails
- If you can see and reach your toenails, trim those each week or when needed.
- Trim your toenails straight across and file the edges with an emery board or nail file.
- If you cannot see or reach your toenails, ask your qualified caretaker or a podiatrist to assist.
6. Check your feet every day.
- Inspect your feet every day for swelling, cuts, blisters or red spots.
- If you have trouble seeing your feet ask a family member, a friend or a caretaker for help.
7. Wear shoes and socks at all times
- Never walk barefoot.
- Wear comfortable shoes that fit well and protect your feet.
- Feel inside your shoes before putting them on each time to make sure the lining is smooth and there are no objects inside.
8. Protect your feet from hot and cold.
- Wear shoes at the beach or on hot pavement.
- Wear socks at night if your feet get cold.
- Don’t test bath water with your feet.
- Don’t use hot water bottles or heating pads.
9. Keep the blood flow to your feet.
- Put your feet up when sitting.
- Wiggle your toes and move your ankles up and down for 5 minutes, 2 or 3 times a day.
- Don’t cross your legs for long periods of time.
- Don’t smoke.
10. Be more active.
- Plan your physical activity program with your doctor.
- Increase your time spent outdoors – you will benefit from more oxygen (don’t forget your sunscreen!)
11. Check with your podiatrist.
- Remember that people with diabetes generally may not feel the pain of an injury.
- A qualified doctor will help you assess true condition of your feed.
- Have your podiatrist check your bare feet and find out whether you are likely to have serious foot problems.
- Call your doctor right away if you find a bruise, a sore, a blister, or a cut on your foot that does not begin to heal after one day.
- Follow your podiatrist’s advice about foot care.
12. What can you do today.
- Begin taking good care of your feet today.
- Set a time every day to check your feet – for example, make it part of your evening routine before you go to bed.
If you need more tips about diabetic care, visit National Diabetes Education Program
To make an appointment for the diabetic foot care, contact our office today or call 877-417-FOOT (3668) .