| 1. |
Examine your feet every day for cuts, calluses or infected looking toenails. |
| 2. |
Use a mirror to assist you in viewing hard-to-see areas on the bottoms of your feet |
| 3. |
Always dry your feet well after bathing, especially between the toes. |
| 4. |
NEVER SOAK A DIABETIC FOOT! Cracks within the skin may allow bacteria or fungus living in water to enter the body possibly causing infection within the skin. Diabetic who have lost sensation in their feet may burn their feet with hot water and not realize damage is being done. Extensive soaking will cause skin to dry out afterwards, and may result in cracks within the skin, again, creating a point of entry for bacterial and fungal organisms to enter the body. |
| 5. |
Apply a moisturizing lotion to your legs and feet at least once a day. DO NOT apply cream between the toes, as this may also create excessive moisture and lead to damaged skin. |
| 6. |
Avoid walking barefoot, even indoors. |
| 7. |
Do not cut your own toenails. Try to have them cut by a healthcare professional. |
| 8. |
Wear cotton socks that are soft and comfortable, preferably without seams. |
| 9. |
Wear shoes that provide extra room to allow special inserts to be worn. Medicare allows one pair of shoes and three pairs of inserts per year. (For more information, see our helpful link “Shoes”). |
| 10. |
Ask your doctor or healthcare professional to check your feet at every office visit. ( a simple way to do this is to take your shoes and socks off before your doctor enters the room and begins examining you) |
