diabetic foot care

diabetic foot care tips

• Inspect your feet daily. Check for cuts, blisters, redness, swelling or nail problems. Use a magnifying hand mirror to look at the bottom of your feet. Call your doctor if you notice anything.
• Bathe feet in lukewarm, never hot, water. Keep your feet clean by washing them daily. Use only lukewarm water—the temperature you would use on a newborn baby.
• Moisturize your feet but not between your toes. Use a moisturizer daily to keep dry skin from itching or cracking. But don’t moisturize between the toes—that could encourage a fungal infection.
• Be Careful with Nails and Corns/ Calluses. Consult your doctor for concerns with toenails or hard surfaces on your feet. 
• Wear clean, dry socks. Change them daily.
  • Consider socks made specifically for patients with diabetes. These socks have extra cushioning, do not have elastic tops, are higher than the ankle and are made from fibers that wick moisture away from the skin.
• Inspect your shoes: Remember, your feet may not be able to feel a pebble or other foreign object, so always inspect your shoes before putting them on.
• Keep your feet warm and dry. Don’t let your feet get wet in snow or rain. Wear warm socks and shoes in winter.
• Never walk barefoot. Not even at home! Always wear shoes or slippers. You could step on something and get a scratch or cut.
• Take care of your diabetes. Keep your blood sugar levels under control.
• Don’t smoke. Smoking restricts blood flow in your feet.
• Get periodic foot exams. Seeing a podiatrist on a regular basis can help prevent the foot complications of diabetes.

If you have diabetes, it’s also important to see a podiatrist regularly. They can check your feet for any signs of complications, such as peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage), poor circulation, or infection. They can also provide custom-made orthotics, or special shoes to help protect your feet.

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