Diabetes can be dangerous for the health of your feet. What can begin as a small cut can turn into a serious problem quickly. Below are some tips on how you, as a diabetic, can take proper care for your feet.
Cleanse your feet in lukewarm water. Clean your feet by washing them each day using only lukewarm – never hot - water.
Moisturize your feet daily. Apply a moisturizer to keep dry skin from cracking or itching.
Cut nails correctly. Toenails should be cut straight across with edges filed. It is never a good idea to cut toenails too short as it could lead ingrown toenails.
Examine your feet each day. Check for blisters, redness, swelling, cuts or issues with the toenails and contact your primary care physician if you notice anything that doesn't look quite right.
Wear socks when in bed. Never use a hot water bottle or heating pad - if your feet tend to get cold at night, wear socks instead.
Be gentle. Bathe feet using a soft sponge or washcloth and blot or pat dry gently, being especially careful to dry the area between the toes thoroughly.
Keep your feet dry and warm. Don’t let your feet get wet in winter rain or snow and wear warm shoes and socks.
Never treat calluses or corns by yourself. Never perform “bathroom surgery” – visit your primary care physician or podiatrist for proper treatment.
Wear dry, clean socks. Pick out socks that have extra cushioning, are higher than the ankle, are produced from fibers that wick moisture away from the skin and don’t have elastic tops. Be sure to change them daily.
Never walk barefoot, not even when at home! Always wear slippers or shoes to avoid stepping on something and getting a cut or scratch.
Control your diabetes. You can do this by monitoring your blood sugar levels and keeping them under control.
See your primary care physician or podiatrist for regular foot exams. Regular foot exams can help prevent diabetic foot complications by allowing your doctor to monitor your feet for any changes every couple of months.
