Diabetes Foot Care
Diabetes alters the immune systems thereby decreasing the body's ability to fight infections. You can have foot problems, such as slow healing wounds, if blood vessels and nerves are damaged. These complications may make you less able to sense injury or pressure on the foot. A foot injury may go unnoticed until severe infection develops.
Inspect your feet and toes daily for changes in cuts, bruises, sores, or changes to your toenails.
Wash feet twice daily (morning and evening), using mild soap and lukewarm water. Dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes.
Do not put lotions between your toes, as infections can develop in moist areas.
It's okay to put lotion on dry areas of your feet, just not between your toes.
Ask your doctor to show you how to care for your toenails. Always soak your feet in lukewarm water to soften toenails before trimming them.
Cut your toenails straight across as curved nails are more likely to become ingrown.
Tips on Shoes and Socks
Don't walk barefoot, not even in your home. This will help protect your feet from injury, such as scratches, small cuts and bruises.
Wear thick, soft, dry socks or non-binding panty hose every day.
Wear socks to bed if your feet get cold.
Don't wear anything too tight around your legs, such as binding panty hose, girdles, knee high stockings and thigh-highs.
Get properly measured and fit every time you buy new shoes.
Check the inside of your shoes for rough areas that may cause irritation.
Avoid wearing sandals, high heels, shoes with pointed toes, or panty hose with seams.
More Helpful Tips
Exercise daily to keep good circulation in your legs and feet. Do not sit with legs crossed or stand in one position for long periods of time.
Stop smoking as smoking can affect circulation.
Lose weight if you are overweight.
Don't drink alcohol in excess.
Visit your podiatric physician annually, or as directed.
Never, ever try to remove calluses, corns or warts by yourself - see your podiatric physician for assistance in these cases.2
If you are physically unable to view your feet, put a mirror on the floor to look under your feet, or ask a family member, neighbor, or a visiting nurse to perform this important monitoring.
Avoid using antiseptic solutions on your feet.
Avoid any temperature extremes to your feet such as heating pads or hot water bottles, or walking barefoot on hot pavement and hot sandy beaches.
Report all foot and leg sores, changes, or signs of infection to your doctor immediately. Also report all blisters, bruises, cuts, sores or areas of redness.
