Foot Care for Patients with Diabetes
The foot is often the place problems start for people with diabetes. Loss of feeling in your feet or coldness, numbness, pain, blisters or sores may be signs that your diabetes is out of control. People with diabetes who get corns, calluses and bunions have an increased risk for getting foot ulcers (very serious, deep sores). Infection in these ulcers can lead to hospitalization and even amputation of a foot.
How should I care for my feet to avoid foot problems?
Careful control of your diabetes is the key to avoiding foot problems. Be sure to follow your doctor's advice on diet, exercise and medications. Here are some other things you can do:
Look at your feet daily. Call your doctor at the very first sign of redness, swelling, infection, prolonged pain, numbness or tingling in any part of a foot.
Wash your feet every day in lukewarm water (check the water temperature with your hand or elbow first) and mild soap; use only a washcloth or a very soft brush.
Dry your feet well, especially between the toes. Use a soft towel and blot gently; don't rub.
Keep the skin of your feet smooth by applying a cream or lanolin lotion, especially on the heels.
If your feet sweat easily, keep them dry by dusting them with non-medicated powder before putting on shoes and stockings.
Wear well-padded socks or stockings that are not wrinkled and that are 1/2 inch longer than your longest toe. Don't wear stretch socks, nylon socks or socks with an elastic band or garter at the top. Don't wear socks with inside seams.
When you buy new shoes, choose shoes made of soft leather. They should not fit tightly anywhere. If you've had foot problems before because of shoes that didn't fit well, you may want to be fitted.
Back to top
