Foot Problems
There's a lot you can do to prevent problems
with your feet. Keeping your blood sugar in good control and
taking care of your feet can help protect them.
Check your bare feet every day. Look for cuts, sores, bumps,
red spots. Use a mirror or ask a family member for help if
you have trouble seeing the bottoms of your feet.
Wash your feet in warm--not hot--water every day. Use a mild
soap. Do not soak your feet. Dry your feet with a soft towel.
Dry between your toes.
Cover your feet with a lotion or petroleum jelly after washing
them, before putting on your shoes and socks. Do not put the
lotion or jelly between your toes.
Cut your toenails straight across. Do not leave sharp edges
that could cut the next toe.
Use a dry towel to rub away dead skin.
Do not try to cut calluses or corns yourself with a razor
blade or knife. Do not use wart removers on your feet. If
you have warts or painful corns or calluses, see a doctor
who treats foot problems. This kind of doctor is called a
podiatrist.
Wear thick, soft socks. Do not wear mended stockings or stockings
with holes or seams that might rub into your feet.
Check your shoes before you put them on to be sure they have
no sharp edges or objects in them.
Wear shoes that fit well and let your toes move. Break in
new shoes slowly. Do not wear flip-flops, shoes with pointed
toes, or plastic shoes. Never go barefoot.
Wear socks if your feet are cold at night. Do not use heating
pads or hot water bottles on your feet.
Have your doctor check your bare feet at every visit. Take
off your shoes and socks when you go in the exam room. This
will remind the doctor to check your feet.
See a podiatrist for help if you can't take care of your
feet yourself.
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