Diabetic Foot Education

1. Check your feet every day.

• Check your feet for cuts, sores, red spots, swelling, and infected toenails. You may have foot problems, but feel no pain in your feet.


• Check your feet each evening when you take off your shoes.


• If you have trouble bending over to see your feet, use a mirror to help. You can also ask a family member or caregiver to help you.

2. Wash your feet every day.

• Wash your feet in warm, not hot, water. Do not soak your feet because your skin will get dry.


• Before bathing or showering, test the water to make sure it is not too hot. You can use a thermometer (90° to 95° F is safe) or your elbow to test the water.


• Use talcum powder or cornstarch to keep the skin between your toes dry to prevent infection.

3. Keep the skin soft and smooth.

• Rub a thin coat of lotion, cream, or petroleum jelly on the tops and bottoms of your feet.


• Do not put lotion or cream between your toes because this might cause an infection.

4. If you can see, reach, and feel your feet, trim your toenails regularly.

• Trim your toenails with nail clippers after you wash and dry your feet.


• Trim your toenails straight across and smooth the corners with an emery board or nail file. This prevents the nails from growing into the skin. Do not cut into the corners of the toenail.


• Have a foot doctor trim your toenails if:
  
  
  
  • you cannot see or feel your feet
  
  
  • you cannot reach your feet
  
  
  • your toenails are thick or yellowed
  
  
  • your nails curve and grow into the skin
  
  
  
  

5. Wear shoes and socks at all times.

• Wear shoes and socks at all times. Do not walk barefoot when indoors or outside. It is easy to step on something and hurt your feet. You may not feel any pain and not know that you hurt yourself.


• Make sure you wear socks, stockings, or nylons with your shoes to keep from getting blisters and sores.


• Choose clean, lightly padded socks that fit well. Socks that have no seams are best.


• Check inside your shoes before you put them on. Make sure the lining is smooth and that there are no objects in your shoes.


• Wear shoes that fit well and protect your feet.

6. Protect your feet from hot and cold.

• Wear shoes at the beach and on hot pavement. You may burn your feet and may not know it.


• Put sunscreen on the top of your feet to prevent sunburn.


• Keep your feet away from heaters and open fires.


• Do not put hot water bottles or heating pads on your feet.


• Wear socks at night if your feet get cold.


• Wear lined boots in the winter to keep your feet warm.

7. Keep the blood flowing to your feet.

• Put your feet up when you are sitting.


• Wiggle your toes for 5 minutes, 2 or 3 times a day. Move your ankles up and down and in and out to help blood flow in your feet and legs.


• Do not cross your legs for long periods of time.


• Do not wear tight socks, elastic, or rubber bands around your legs.


• Do not smoke. Smoking can lower the amount of blood flow to your feet. Ask for help to stop smoking. Call 1-800-QUITNOW (1-800-784-8669).

8. Be more active.

• Being active improves blood flow to the feet. Ask your health care team for safe ways to be more active each day. Move more by walking, dancing, swimming, or going bike riding.


• If you are not very active, start slowly.


• Find safe places to be active.


• Wear athletic shoes that give support and are made for your activity.

9. Be sure to ask your health care team to:

• check your feet at every visit


• check the sense of feeling and pulses in your feet at least once a year


• show you how to care for your feet


• refer you to a foot doctor if needed


• tell you if special shoes would help protect your feet

Reminder: Cut out the foot care tip sheet in this booklet and put it on your bathroom or bedroom wall or your nightstand to remind you to take care of your feet.

Complete the "To Do List" at the back of this booklet.

10. Take care of your diabetes.

• Work with your health care team to make a plan to manage your diabetes.


• Ask your health care team to help you set and reach goals for managing your blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol.


• Ask your team to help you choose safe ways to be more active each day and choose healthy foods to eat.

Tips for Choosing the Right Footwear

Wearing the right type of shoes is important for keeping your feet healthy. Walking shoes and athletic shoes are good for daily wear. They support your feet and allow them to "breathe."

• Never wear vinyl or plastic shoes, because they do not stretch or "breathe."


• When buying shoes, make sure they feel good and have enough room for your toes.


• Do not wear shoes with pointed toes or high heels often. They put too much pressure on your toes.


• Buy shoes at the end of the day when your feet are the largest so that you can find the best fit.

Things to remember:

• Set a time every day to check your feet.


• Wear socks and shoes at all times.


• Write down the date of your next visit to the doctor. Go to all of your appointments and ask any questions that you have.


• Set a date for getting the things you need to take care of your feet: nail clippers, pumice stone, emery board, skin lotion, talcum powder, plastic mirror, socks, walking shoes, and slippers.


• Stop smoking.


• Manage your diabetes so you can prevent foot problems.