Foot Care

1
Foot Care
2
Amputations

• 85 are preceded by foot ulcers in people with
  diabetes.
• Risk increases if
• Diabetes gt 10 years
• Male
• Poor glucose control
• Cardiovascular, retinal or renal complications

3
What causes foot problems when you have diabetes?

• Nerve damage.
• Problems with blood flow.
• Infection fighters in the body do not work as
  well when the blood sugar is high.
  

4
How do you avoid foot problems?

• If you smoke, quit.
• Exercise.
• Avoid hot things like hot water bottles, heating
  pads or hot surfaces.
• Care for your feet gently.

5
How do you avoid foot problems?

• Wear good walking shoes that fit well
• Slowly break in new shoes
• Check inside your shoes before putting them on

6
How do you avoid foot problems?

• Do not go barefoot.
• Always wear smooth fitting cotton/polyester socks.

7
How do you avoid foot problems?

• Trim toenails straight across and file the sharp
  edges with an emery board.
• If you cant see well, or if your toenails are
  thick and hard to trim, get the help of a foot
  doctor.
• Look at your feet every day.

8
Caring for your feet gently

• Wash them daily with mild soap and dry them well.
  Avoid hot water.
• Put unscented lotion on your feet, but not
  between your toes.

9
Caring for your feet gently

• Do not use medicines on your feet such as
  alcohol, lye, iodine or corn or callus remover.
  
• Dont cut corns or calluses.
• Hard, sharp or tight things can harm your feet.

10
Caring for your feet gently

• Use unscented powders on sweaty feet.
• Changing socks often can also help.
• Do not soak your feet.

11
Look at your feet every day

• Always use good light.
• If you wear glasses, make sure you put them
  on.
• If you have a hard time seeing, have someone help
  you.

12
Look at your feet every day

• Use a hand mirror to see the bottoms of your
  feet.
• Feel your feet
• They should be warm.
• They should not be
• swollen or tender.

13
Look at your feet every day

• Look at your feet
• Check for sores, cuts, blisters or drainage.
• Look for changes in color.
• Get help if you need it.
• Call your doctor at once if you find a sore on
  your foot.

14
Have your health care provider check your feet at
each visit.