Diabetes Care - Giving Your Feet a Hand

People with diabetes are more prone to foot problems due to an increased risk of damage to nerves and blood vessels. You can help prevent these problems with the following tips:

• Wash your feet in warm water with mild soap every day, but don’t soak them. Dry them well, especially between your toes.

• Check your feet every day for cuts, sores, Check Your Feet Dailyblisters, redness, calluses, or any other problem. Call your doctor if healing doesn’t start after one day.

• If your skin is dry, rub lotion on your feet after you wash and dry them. Do not put lotion between your toes.

• Gently file corns and calluses with an emery board or pumice stone (move it in only one direction). Do this after your bath or shower, when the skin is soft.

• Trim your toenails once a week or when needed. Cut them with a nail clipper straight across, then smooth the edges with an emery board. If you can’t see or reach them, ask a family member or your healthcare team for help.

• Always wear slippers or shoes to protect your feet from injuries. Don’t wear sandals and don’t walk barefoot, even around the house.

• Always wear socks or stockings to avoid blisters. Choose a pair that fits your feet well and has soft elastic.

• Wear shoes that fit well. Shop for shoes at the end of the day when your feet are bigger. Break in shoes slowly. Wear them 1 to 2 hours each day for the first few weeks.

If you’re starting a walking program (see Type Free eNewsletter #3), get off on the right foot by buying a pair of walking shoes that fit properly. Here’s how:

- Bring your walking socks when you shop for shoes.

- Look for shoes that are wide enough that your toes can move freely. There should be about a half inch between your toes and the end of the shoe. Your heel should not slip, and the shoe should not pinch or bind, especially across the arch or ball of your foot.

- Walking shoes should have a relatively flat heel and should be flexible enough that you can bend and twist them.

- Pick a shoe that is lightweight and breathable.

- Make sure shoes feel great when you put them on. Walking shoes shouldn’t have to be “worn in.”

NDEP
Here is a podcast offering tips on foot care to prevent complications, such as foot ulcers and amputation: Healthy Feet are Happy Feet. This podcast is 2 minutes and 23 seconds long. It's brought to you compliments of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Diabetes Education Program.