Diabetic Foot Problems : Control your sugars…most important. No rise in sugars means no foot problems.
- Inspect your feet daily for blisters, bleeding, and lesions between your toes.
- Use a mirror to see the bottom of your foot and heel.
- Do not soak your feet unless the temperature of the water is lukewarm, not as hot as you can stand it. (95°-100° Fahrenheit).
- Avoid temperature extremes – do not use hot water bottles or heating pads on your feet.
- Wash your feet daily with warm, soapy water and dry them well, especially between the toes.
- Use a moisturizing cream or lotion daily, but avoid getting it between the toes.
- Do not use acids or chemical corn removers.
- Do not perform “bathroom surgery” on corns, calluses, or ingrown toenails.
- Trim your toenails carefully and file them gently. Cut your nails straight across .
Have a podiatrist treat you regularly if you cannot trim them yourself without difficulty.
- Contact your podiatric surgeon immediately if your foot becomes swollen or is painful, or if redness occurs.
- Do not smoke.
- Learn all you can about diabetes and how it can affect your feet.
- Have regular foot examinations by your podiatric surgeon.