Submitted by Vicky Forest, Foot Care Nurse – We Care Home Health Services
When you have diabetes, proper foot care is very important. Poor foot care can lead to serious health problems, including amputation.
It is very important to understand the connection between diabetes and foot care. People with diabetes are more vulnerable to foot problems because nerves may be damaged reducing the blood flow to your feet. The Canadian Diabetes Association estimates that one in five people with diabetes who seek hospital care do so for foot problems. By taking proper care of your feet, the more serious health problems associated with diabetes can be prevented. Here are some simple foot care tips to follow.
Wash and Dry Your Feet Daily
- Use mild soaps
- Use warm water
- Pat your skin dry; do not rub. Thoroughly dry your feet
- After washing, use lotion on your feet to prevent cracking. Do not put lotion between your toes
Examine Your Feet Each Day
- Check the tops and bottoms of your feet. Have someone else look at your feet if you cannot see them
- Check for dry, cracked skin, blisters, cuts, scratches, or other sores
- Check for redness, increased warmth, or tenderness when touching any area of your feet
- Check for ingrown toenails, corns, and calluses
- If you get a blister or sore from your shoes, apply a bandage and wear a different pair of shoes
Take Care of Your Toenails
- Cut toenails after bathing, when they are soft
- Cut toenails straight across and smooth with a nail file
- Avoid cutting into the corners of toes
- You may want a podiatrist or foot care nurse specialist to cut your toenails
Be Safe When Exercising
- Walk and exercise in comfortable shoes
- Do not exercise when you have open sores on your feet
Protect Your Feet
- Never go barefoot, always protect your feet by wearing shoes or hard-soled slippers or footwear
- Avoid shoes with high heels and pointed toes
- Avoid shoes that expose your toes or heels (such as open-toed shoes or sandals). These types of shoes increase your risk for injury and potential infections.
- Try on new footwear with the type of socks you usually wear
- Do not wear new shoes for more than an hour at a time
- Look and feel inside your shoes before putting them on to make sure there are no foreign objects or rough areas
- Avoid tight socks
- Wear natural-fiber socks (cotton, wool, or a cotton-wool blend)
- Wear special shoes if your health care provider recommends them
- Wear shoes/boots that will protect your feet from various weather conditions (cold, moisture, etc.)
- Make sure your shoes fit properly