Diabetic Foot Care
If you have diabetes, complications from the disease can put you at significant risk for amputation of a foot or leg. Diabetic foot care is a simple list of things you can do at home daily, guided by your healthcare provider, to protect your feet against wounds and avoid amputation.
Three Steps for Diabetic Foot Care
- Skin and Nail Care
- Wash your feet daily with mild soap. Dry your feet gently; do not rub too vigorously.
- Apply lotion to avoid dry or cracked skin.
- Trim toenails when wet because that’s when they are softer. Trim nails straight across. Do not trim your skin or cuticles. If you have trouble, you may want to see a podiatrist.
- Daily Foot Inspection
- Check your feet every day at the same time — make it part of your daily routine. Look carefully for wounds on the top and bottom of each foot, all your toes (top, bottom and tip) and between your toes. If you can’t see, use a mirror or ask someone to inspect them for you.
- Be sure to check the ball of each foot. They are subject to a lot of pressure and are a common area for calluses and wounds to develop.
- If you notice any cuts, scrapes, areas of discoloration or calluses on your feet, notify your healthcare provider immediately.
- Trust your instincts. If either foot, or part of either foot, feels different in any way, let your healthcare provider know.
- Proper Footwear
- Your shoes should be comfortable and not cause any increased pressure on any bony areas.
- If you have noticed any deformities in your feet, you may want to see a podiatrist for help in choosing proper footwear.
Additional steps to avoid foot injury:
- Avoid extreme heat of any kind: do not soak feet in hot water, do not use hot water bottles or heating pads/blankets.
- Never walk barefoot anywhere.
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