The Do's of Daily Diabetic Footcare

Daily foot inspections are the #1 method of decreasing the number of foot problems. We have tried to present this information in a precise, positive and repetitive fashion to have the maximum impact on your daily behavior.

• DO - inspect the feet daily.
  • You, your spouse, a family member or a friend must inspect your feet at least once a day. This is the most important part of your foot care. Use a mirror or have someone look at your feet for you if you cannot see every part of your feet well. You can also use a handheld mirror or magnifying mirror attached to the bathroom wall near the baseboard to inspect your feet.
• DO - report any problems immediately (i.e. all skin lesions, including fissures, abrasions, calluses, hot or red spots and web space maceration) to your healthcare professional.

• DO - buy shoes with extra depth toe boxes and molded rocker soles.
• DO - inspect the inside of shoes for foreign objects everyday before putting them on.
• DO - visit a skilled skin and nail specialist on a regular basis.
  • If you have a decrease in your sight, a decrease in protective sensation or a decreased ability to reach your toes don’t attempt to do your own nail care. Instead, do visit a skilled skin and nail specialist on a regular basis to avoid injury to the skin surrounding the nail bed. Again report any redness in the skin surrounding your nails to your doctor immediately.
• DO - cut your nails straight across and not rounded.
  • Avoid cutting into the corners of toes, which can lead to ingrown toenails. Use an emery board or soft pumice stone to shape your toe nails even with the ends of your toes.
• DO - keep your feet away from heat (fires, radiators, hot water bottles) and check the bath water with a thermometer or your elbow before stepping into it.
• DO - wear something on your feet at all times to protect them and never walk barefoot.
• DO - change daily into clean, soft stockings.
  • The stockings should be made of a natural fiber such as cotton or wool; they cannot be ill fitting, (i.e. Too big or too small, contain a compressive elastic band, or be mended.) Socks without seams are best because seams often irritate toes or bony areas of your foot. If you wear socks with seams, position the seam before putting on your shoes, shoes that do not rub your toes. Shoes with stockings should be worn at all times.