Foot Care Do’s and Don’ts
Foot Care Do’s and Don’ts
Don’ts:
Don’t smoke.
Don’t apply external heat.
Don’t expose your feet to cold.
Don’t wear tight garters or socks with elastic tops.
Don’t wear shoes that bind, rub or are new and stiff.
Don’t expose your feet to cuts, scratches or bruises.
Don’t use chemical compounds for corns or calluses.
Don’t cut or trim corns or calluses.
Don’t continue to walk about when sores (cracks, blisters, ulcers) appear on feet.
Don’t apply tape to your skin.
Do’s:
Wash your feet daily with non-irritating soap. Dry your feet well, especially in between toes.
Apply a moisturizing cream to feet/legs twice daily.
Cut toenails straight across, being careful not to nip the skin. (Do not dig into the corners to get out an ingrown nail.)
Report for treatment to your podiatrist if athlete’s foot appears.
Get off your feet immediately if any lesions appear. Call your podiatrist immediately.
Wear warm woolen socks if your feet are cold.
Avoid tobacco in any form.
Walk slowly. You will get there sooner and with less pain.
Patients are also given the following instructions:
• Closely monitor and control glucose levels via intravenous insulin or oral agents and weight control.
• Inspect feet daily, especially between toes. Heels and legs should also be checked.
• Never perform any type of "bathroom" surgery on feet or legs, such as removing a callus or corn.
• Seek medical attention immediately if you find any areas of concern, such as redness, swelling, unusual smells, cracks or a rash. Do not self-treat.
• Wear good supportive shoes at all times and never walk barefoot; it dries the skin and exposes you to parasites, fungus, infections and foreign bodies.
• Wear light cotton socks unless it’s too cold, and never wear shoes without socks
• When washing your feet, don’t use hot water.
• Avoid hot water bottles or heating pads on your feet or legs. You may burn yourself and not feel the pain.
• Don’t soak your feet except under the direction of a doctor.
• Visit your primary care physician and podiatrist regularly.
• Inspect shoes for foreign objects, torn linings, or nails wearing through the insoles.
• Have shoes fitted by a specialist in orthotics.
• Think about diabetic foot care as an everyday, lifelong process that requires inspection, patience and diligence.
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