Foot Care

Why is taking care of my feet so important?

Diabetes can cause poor blood flow and loss of feeling in the legs and feet. It can also cause dry, cracked skin, which can lead to serious foot infections and sometimes amputations (loss of feet or limbs). The good news is that at least 50% of major foot problems, including amputations, can be prevented with just a few minutes of daily foot care.

Daily foot care

Look carefully at your feet every day. If you have trouble seeing or feeling them, use a mirror or ask someone to check for you. Look for cuts, bruises, blisters, redness, swelling, and thick, flakey toenails. Then:

• Each day, gently wash your feet with warm water and mild soap and pat them dry. Put a moisturizing cream to dry, scaly skin, but don't put the cream between your toes.

• Carefully cut and file toenails straight across, even with the end of each toe. Cutting nails too short can make them ingrown. If you can't do this yourself, or if you lack good feeling in your toes, ask someone to do it for you.

• Wear shoes that let your feet breathe, and can stretch to relieve pressure. Your shoes should have at least one-half inch of toe room. Before putting them on, feel inside to make sure there are no foreign objects. Break in new shoes slowly!

• Always wear clean socks that fit well and soak up sweat. Don't wear socks with holes or darns, or that have tight elastic bands - these can decrease blood flow in your legs and feet.

Take extra care if you have:

• Numbness, burning feeling, pain, or tingling in your legs or feet

• Poor blood flow in your legs or feet

• Any change that causes your shoes to rub – you could have a bunion or a callous.

• Any foot sore or ulcer

Call your doctor if …

• You have redness or drainage from the foot. These may be signs of infection, so contact your doctor immediately.

• You have corns or callouses, which are signs of extra wear and tear. Your doctor will help you treat and - just as important - prevent future problems.

Safety pays!

• Wear shoes at all times to avoid hurting your feet.

• Don't use heating pads, heat or sun lamps, or hot water on your feet if they are numb, or cannot feel hot or cold.

• Wear rubber slippers in public showers to avoid plantar warts and fungal growth.

Remember: look carefully at your feet every day, and report problems to your doctor right away. Don't wait for small problems to become major. Yours are the only feet you'll ever have!