How to Care for Feet When You Have Diabetes
- 1). Wash your feet daily, and use your elbow to check the temperature of the water. When you have diabetes, it can sometimes cause your fingers and toes to lose their ability to sense temperature. Getting into a shower or bath that is too hot can lead to burns. Avoid soaking the feet for prolonged periods as this can over-dry the skin.
- 2). Sit down and thoroughly dry your feet with a soft towel after washing, paying special attention to dry between the toes.
- 3). Inspect your feet closely for changes in the toenails, and look for redness, swelling or tenderness of the feet and toes. These are signs of potential trouble, and should be reported to your healthcare provider right away. If you have trouble seeing your feet, you can use a hand mirror to check the bottoms of your feet, or ask a family member to help you.
- 4). Apply lotion to the tops and bottom of the feet. Avoid applying lotion in between the toes, as this can cause excess moisture to form, creating a greater potential for infection.
- 5). Inspect and feel around inside your shoes before putting them on. Look for any debris or rough surfaces that could cause injury when wearing the shoes. To protect your feet, avoid going barefoot.
- 6). Choose shoes that are comfortable and do not rub or cause blisters. Choose socks that wick away moisture and are not tight around the tops as this can restrict blood flow and cause problems.
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