How to Care For Your Feet

Check your feet every day

• Look at the bottoms and between toes.
• Look for cuts, calluses, scratches, blisters, bruises, swelling, rashes, and color changes.
• Feel for hot or cold areas

Wash your feet every day with mild soap and lukewarm (not hot) water

• You may not be able to feel how hot the water is with your feet, so test it first with your elbow.
• Wash gently between toes and around toenails.
• Rinse and gently pat dry each foot with a soft towel.
• Make sure you softly pat dry the area between the toes.

Apply lotion if skin is dry

• Do not put lotion between your toes.

Use foot powder if feet are sweaty

• Use a mild powder.
• Rub or dust off excess powder.

File or clip your toenails only after washing and drying your feet- the nails are softer at this time

• File or clip (using a toenail clipper) your toenails straight across.
• Never cut or "dig" into the corners of the nail- this could lead to an ingrown toenail.
• Do not cut or file toenails shorter than the ends of the toes.
• Do not apply corn pads, wart, or corn removers.

Wear a clean pair of socks or stockings each day

• Make sure the socks or stockings fit well and are not too tight.
  Do not wear knee-high stockings- they may decrease blood flow to your legs.

Wear shoes at all times

• Even in the house, you must protect your feet from injury.

Wear shoes that fit well

• Your feet may not feel pain from poorly fitted shoes, so use extra care when buying new shoes.
• Break in new shoes slowly.
• Check your feet often when wearing new shoes.
• Some people need special shoes. Talk with your diabetes team if you have wide feet, hammer toes, bunions, or corns.

Avoid crossing your legs

• Crossing legs can decrease blood flow to your feet.

Take your shoes and socks off

• The doctor should check your feet every time you go for a visit.

Wash a cut or sore with soap and water

• Do not use peroxide, iodine, or Merthiolate.
• An antibacterial cream may be used.

Don't place feet near heat source (Heater/Heating Pad)

• Burns can occur.
• If feet are cold, use socks.

Report to your doctor any cuts, bruises, or sores

• Call your doctor if you have any problems.
• Do not be fooled by cuts, blisters, or sores that do not hurt.