Volume 10, Issue 2, Spring 2009

Taking the right steps toward good foot care

Foot problems are one of the most common side effects of diabetes. Lower your chances of getting foot problems by doing the following:

• Look at your bare feet every day for cuts, blisters, cracks or sores. Use a mirror to see the bottom of your feet (if needed).
• Wash your feet with slightly warm water every day. Do not soak your feet because this will dry them out and might cause problems like cracking.
• Dry your feet well. Be sure to dry between your toes.

Keep your skin soft and smooth.

• Rub a thin coat of skin lotion or cream over the tops and bottoms of your feet. Do not rub lotion between your toes.
• See a podiatrist (foot care specialist) for problems with corns, calluses or cracked heels.

Trim your toenails when needed.

• Trim your toenails straight across and file the edges with an emery board or nail file.

Wear shoes and socks at all times.

• Never walk bare foot.
• Wear comfortable shoes and socks that fit well and protect your feet. Shoes that don't fit right can lead to blisters and sores. Avoid shoes that have pointed toes or high heels. Break in new shoes slowly. Ask your doctor if you need special shoes.
• Feel inside your shoes before putting them on each time to make sure the lining is smooth and free of objects.

Protect your feet from hot and cold.

• Wear shoes at the beach or on hot pavement.
• Don't use heating pads or hot water bottles on your feet.
• Wear socks at night if your feet get cold.

Keep the blood flowing to your feet.

• Put your feet up when sitting.
• Wiggle your toes and move your ankles up and down for several minutes, two to three times a day.
• Don't cross your legs for a long time.
• Don't smoke. Smoking decreases the blood flow to your feet.

Check with your doctor.

• Call your doctor if a cut, sore, blister or bruise does not start to heal after one day.
• Follow your doctor's advice about foot care.

Related Resources

Caring for your feet, skin and teeth when you have diabetes

Podiatry (foot care) specialists

First published: 04/08/2005
Last updated: 04/27/2009

Reviewed by: Mary Frederick, RN, MS, CDE, diabetes program manager, Allina Medical Clinic - Diabetes Education; Dawn McCarter, RN, BSN, CDE, diabetes program coordinator, Allina Medical Clinic - Diabetes Education

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