Diabetic Foot Care

Get the Facts on Diabetic Foot Care

• Knowing how and when to test your blood glucose.
• Knowing when to test your A1c.
• Taking your medication as prescribed.
• Eating regular meals that contain a variety of healthy, low-fat, high-fiber foods including fruits and vegetables each day.
  

Proper diabetic foot treatment includes washing your feet every day with lukewarm water and mild soap. After thoroughly drying your feet, soften dry skin with lotion, petroleum jelly, lanolin or oil. Do not put any lotion between your toes.

Hint: You may not be able to sense hot temperatures with your feet, so always test the water temperature with your hands first.
    
Get Examined

Good diabetes foot care also includes having your feet examined by your healthcare provider at least once a year. Report sores, blisters, cuts or signs of infection to your doctor immediately.

Hint: Take off your shoes and socks when you enter the examining room to remind yourself that you need a foot exam.
    
Take the Right Steps

Diabetic foot care is easy with the following strategies:

Protect your feet … always! — Wear comfortable, well-fitting shoes with clean, dry socks or non-binding panty hose at all times. Avoid wearing thong sandals or stockings with seams that can cause pressure points. Don’t buy shoes that do not fit properly, expecting the shoes to stretch with time.

Trim nails correctly — Diabetes foot care also includes trimming your toenails along the shape of the toe and filing the nails to remove any sharp edges.

Hint: Make an appointment with a podiatrist to treat foot problems or to have corns or calluses removed. Never attempt to treat these yourself using over-the-counter remedies.

Quit smoking — Smoking can worsen heart and vascular problems and reduce circulation to the feet. If you need help, talk with your doctor about joining a smoking cessation program.

The Bottom Line on Diabetic Foot Care

For patients with diabetes, foot complications are an ever-present risk. Getting regular examinations is important. But perhaps the best step you can take is to practice everyday foot care.

Diabetic Seniors Team

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