Dept of Prevention of Foot Complication

 

Prevention of Diabetic Foot complication

Proper foot care can help prevent these common foot problems and/or treat them before they cause serious complications. Here are some tips for good foot care

• Take care of yourself and your diabetes. Follow your health care provider's advice regarding nutrition, exercise, and medication. Keep your blood glucose level within the range recommended by your doctor.
• Wash your feet in warm water every day, using a mild soap. Do not soak your feet. Dry your feet well, especially between the toes.
• Check your feet every day for sores, blisters, redness, calluses, or any of the other problems listed above. If you have poor blood flow, it is especially important to do a daily foot check.
• Gently smooth corns and calluses with an emery board or pumice stone. Do this after your bath or shower, when your skin is soft. Move the emery board in only one direction.
• Check your toenails once a week. Trim your toenails with a nail clipper straight across. Do not round off the corners of toenails or cut down on the sides of the nails. After clipping, smooth the toenails with an emery board.
• Always wear closed-toed shoes or slippers. Do not wear sandals and do not walk barefoot, even around the house.
• Always wear socks or stockings. Wear socks or stockings that fit your feet well and have soft elastic.
• Wear shoes that fit well. Buy shoes made of canvas or leather and break them in slowly. Protect your feet from heat and cold. Wear shoes at the beach or on hot pavement. Wear socks at night if your feet get cold.
• If you smoke, stop. Smoking can make blood flow problems worse.
• See your podiatrist (foot doctor) every two to three months for check-ups, even if you don't have any foot problems.