FOOT CARE TIPS AND DIABETES
1. Take care of your diabetes.
- Work with your health care team to keep your blood sugar within a good range.
2. Check your feet every day.
- Look at your bare feet every day for cuts, blisters, red spots and swelling.
3. Wash your feet every day.
- Wash your feet in warm, not hot, water every day.
4. Keep the skin soft and smooth.
- Smooth in a thin coat of skin lotion over the tops and bottoms of your feet but not between the toes.
5. Smooth corns and calluses gently.
- If your feet are at low risk for problems, use a pumice stone to smooth corns and calluses. Don’t use over-the-counter products or sharp objects on corns or calluses.
6. If you can see and reach your toenails, trim them each week or when needed.
- Trim your toenails straight across and file the edges with an emery board or nail file.
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 flowing 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 health provider.
11. Check with your doctor.
- Have your doctor check your bare feet and find out whether you are likely to have serious foot problems. Remember that you may not feel the pain of an injury.
- Call your doctor right away if you find a cut, sore, blister or bruise on your foot that does not begin to heal after one day.
- Follow your foot care provider's advice about foot care.
12. Regular foot care assessment.
- Qualified Foot Care Nurses are able to assess for changes in your feet and sensitivity.
- Attend Diabetes information sessions about nutrition, foot health and lifestyle.
Information is intended as a guideline only and is not to be considered medical advice.
FEET FOR A LIFE TIME! ™