Daily inspections can save your feet !!!
You have learned that high blood sugar can damage your nerves and blood vessels. This can prevent blood and oxygen from reaching your body tissues, causing numbness and a lack of sensation. By taking a few minutes each day to inspect your feet you can avoid this....
- Check your feet every day for blisters, sores, scratches and calluses
- Look at all areas of your feet, top, bottom, sides, between and under your toes
- Use a mirror or ask someone to look for you
- Wash your feet daily with soap and warm (not hot) water; check the temperature with your elbow to be sure it's not too hot
- Dry your feet thoroughly after washing and don't forget to dry in between your toes
- Use a lotion or moisturizer but don't put any lotion or powder between your toes. Moisturizing dry skin is very important! It will prevent the skin from cracking.
- After bathing or showering file or cut toenails straight across, use a soft emery board to file smooth, avoiding the corners
- Do not cut your toenails with a sharp, pointed instrument, such as scissors
- If your toenails are thick, let a caregiver cut them for you
- If you have corns or calluses, let a professional trim them
- Do not walk barefoot or wear shoes without socks
- Check shoes before putting them on to make sure there is nothing in them that can cause injury
- Wear cotton socks, preferably without seams
- Change socks daily
- Do not wear wet, damp or dirty socks
- Wear properly fitting shoes - ask your caregiver for help in choosing
the right fit - Avoid open toe shoes
- Call your doctor or nurse immediately if you have any signs of infection including redness, swelling, drainage, fever or chills
- Report any ingrown toenails, don't try to fix them youself
- Regular check ups with a podiatrist (foot doctor) will help keep your feet in tip top condition