Diabetes: Taking care of your feet
What is proper foot care for a person who has diabetes?
Because you have diabetes, your feet need special attention. One important way to care for your feet is to prevent injury by wearing shoes at all times, even when you are indoors. You can develop the habit of being cautious with your feet, avoiding anything that can cause possible injury, pain, or discomfort.
Good foot care also involves getting medical help early if a foot problem develops. Getting help for minor problems can prevent serious complications, such as infections.
Good foot-care habits
Caring for your feet when you have diabetes involves:
- Inspecting your feet daily. Every day, wash your feet and carefully inspect the skin for blisters, corns, calluses, cuts, cracks, or sores. Rub lotion on your feet, but not between your toes. Make sure your feet are completely dry before putting on socks and shoes. Keep your nails trimmed and filed straight across.
- Protecting your feet. Wear properly fitted shoes at all times to protect your feet from injury. Don't use a heating pad or hot water bottle to warm your feet.
- Having your doctor check your feet during each visit. Avoid trying to treat an early foot problem at home. Home remedies or treatments you can buy without a prescription (such as corn removers) can be harmful. Most foot problems need to be treated by your doctor.
- Getting early treatment for foot problems. A minor irritation can lead to a major problem if it is not properly cared for early.
Test Your Knowledge
I need to inspect my feet daily for cuts, blisters, and sores.
I check my feet every day, so my doctor doesn't need to check my feet during each visit.
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Why do I need to care for my feet?
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| Author: | Monica Rhodes | Last Updated: January 30, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Ruth Schneider, MPH, RD - Diet and Nutrition Rhonda O'Brien, MS, RD, CDE - Diabetes Educator | |
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