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Get to the "Foot" of it
Quick Tips

Below is a list of daily to-do list, these are easy and will promote healhtly feet.

Inspect your feet every day, and get expert care early if you suspect a diabetic related foot problem.

Caring for Your Feet
There are many things you can do to keep your feet healthy.

  • Keep your blood sugar in control.
  • Wash your feet every day. Dry them carefully, especially between the toes.
  • Check your feet every day for sores, calluses, red spots, cuts, swelling, and blisters. If you cannot see the bottoms of your feet, use a mirror or ask someone for help.
  • Do not put your feet into hot water.
  • If your feet are cold, wear socks. Never use hot water bottles, heating pads, or electric blankets. You can burn your feet without realizing it.
  • Do not cut off blood flow to your feet. Do not wear garters.
  • Do not use chemicals on corns, calluses, or warts. Over-the-counter products are often too strong for use by people with diabetes. They can burn your feet. Also, do not cut corns or calluses yourself.
  • Cut your toenails straight across and file the edges. Do not rip off hangnails.
  • Wear flat shoes that fit your feet. They should be comfortable when you buy them. Break in your new shoes slowly.
  • If you have lost feeling in your feet, ask your health care provider for advice on proper shoes.
  • Check inside your shoes before wearing them. Make sure there are no pebbles, nails, or other sharp objects in them and that the shoe itself is not rough and the lining is not torn.
  • Choose socks carefully. They should not have seams or other bumpy areas. Do not wear mended socks. Pull your socks on gently to prevent ripping a toenail.
  • Never walk barefoot. Keep slippers by your bed to use when you get up at night.
  • Do not smoke.
  • See your health care provider at the first sign of infection/inflammation.


For more information on diabetes, visit American Diabetes Association

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To prevent injury to the feet, diabetics should adopt a DAILY routine of checking and caring for the feet.