Foot Care For People with Diabetes

People with diabetes have a special reason to treat their feet well. Poor circulation, damage to nerves, and trouble fighting infections can make foot problems very serious. Meticulous foot care and the choice of suitable footwear can prevent serious damage.

Check your feet every day.

· Look at the tops and bottoms. If you can’t see the bottoms, use a mirror or have a family member check.

· Look for scratches, cracks, cuts, or blisters – especially between the toes and around the heel.

· Check for ingrown toenails, corns, calluses, and sores. Also look for changes in color, temperature, or shape.

· If you notice any of these problems, tell your doctor. Your doctor may want you to see a podiatrist (foot doctor).

Wash your feet every day with mild soap and lukewarm (90° to 95°) water.

· Do not soak your feet. That may cause dryness.

· Dry your feet well, especially between your toes.

· Soften dry skin with a thin coat of oil, lotion, or cream on the tops and bottoms. Do not put lotion between your toes.

Take care of your toenails.

· Cut your toenails after bathing, when they are soft and easy to trim. If you cannot see well enough or your nails are too thick, get them cut by a podiatrist.

· Cut your toenails straight across, not into corners, and them smooth them with an emery board.

Protect your feet.

· Do not use sharp tools, chemicals, or foot soaks to remove corns or calluses from your feet. See a podiatrist to have corns or calluses removed.

· Wear comfortable leather or canvas shoes that fit well.

· Break in new shoes slowly, 1 or 2 hours at a time.

· Examine your shoes every day for cracks, pebbles, nails, and and other irregularities which may irritate the skin.

· Don’t go barefoot, even indoors.

· Always wear socks or stockings with your shoes. Socks of cotton or wool are the most comfortable. Wool is best for keeping feet warm and dry.

· Wear clean socks or stockings every day.

Keep your blood flowing well.

· Exercise daily to help your circulation. Do foot exercises.

· If you smoke, try to quit. Smoking decreases blood flow to the feet.

· Keep your feet warm, but avoid heating pads or hot water bottles, which can burn the skin.

· Don’t wear garters that circle the legs or stockings with elastic tops.

Take off your shoes and socks EVERY TIME you see the doctor or diabetes educator. Ask them to look at your feet.