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.