What to Do

• Work to keep your blood glucose in good control.
• Don’t smoke.
• Don’t go barefoot, always protect your feet, even in the house. When at the pool or beach wear water shoes.
• Check your feet every single day for any changes.  Inspect the skin for cuts, sores, blisters, or red areas, drainage or any other unusual signs.  Report any changes to your doctor right away.  Use a hand mirror to look at the bottom of your feet.
• Keep your feet clean; wash them every day.
• Wear shoes, check for any red areas that might mean your shoes don’t fit well.  Try buying new shoes at the end of the day when your feet are larger.  Wear socks to avoid friction on bare feet from your shoes.
• Keep your nails trimmed but not too short.  Cut nails to the shape of your toes and file sharp edges gently with an emery board.
• If you are unable to cut your own toe nails or you have corns, calluses or ingrown nails see a foot doctor for your foot care.  Do not use over the counter remedies for corns, calluses and ingrown nails.
• Check the temperature of the bath water with your forearm before you step in to avoid burns.  Do not use hot water bottles, heating pads or hot bath water on your feet.
• Check the inside of your shoes for any small objects before putting them on.
• Dry your feet well after bathing, especially between your toes.  Moisture between the toes can lead to fungal infections.
• Moisturize your feet daily but  avoid moisturizer between your toes.
• Have a thorough foot examination done by your doctor at least once each year, but be sure that they look at your feet at every visit.  Your feet and legs should be checked for sensation and circulation.