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Living with Diabetes
Diabetic Foot Care Tips
Of the many complications of diabetes, amputation is often one of the most feared. High blood glucose can lead to poor blood flow to the legs, damage to the nerves, and trouble fighting infection. The majority of amputations can be prevented by following these simple foot care tips:
Check your bare feet every day. Look for cuts, sores, blisters, bruises, redness, and scratches. Be sure to check between your toes. Use a mirror or ask a family member to help you if you cannot see the bottoms of your feet.
Wash your feet in warm, not hot, water daily, but do not soak them. Dry your feet gently and thoroughly, making sure to dry well between the toes.
Avoid temperature extremes. Test bath or shower water temperature with your hands or an elbow before getting in.
Use lotion on the top and sole of the foot if your skin is dry. Do not put lotion between the toes.
Cut your toenails straight across.
Do not try to cut calluses or corns or use over-the-counter corn removers. Do not use wart removers. Do not use adhesive tape on your feet. See a foot doctor (podiatrist) if you have painful calluses, corns or warts on your feet.
Wear shoes that fit well and allow your toes to move. Break in new shoes slowly, wearing them for no more than ½ day. Feel inside your shoes before putting them on each time to make sure the lining is smooth and there are no objects inside. Do not wear flip-flops, pointed toe shoes or high heels.
Never go barefoot! Place slippers beside your bed to wear if you must get out of bed at night.
Ask your doctor if you qualify for special shoes covered by Medicare or other insurance plans.
Wear socks at night if your feet are cold. Do not use hot water bottles, heating pads or electric blankets.
Take off your shoes and socks each time you visit the doctor and ask him/her to inspect your feet.
If you smoke, quit. Smoking decreases blood flow to the feet.
Remember, foot infections are serious. 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.
