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 People with diabetes can reduce
their risk of amputation by
following a few simple
guidelines:
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| 1. Have your doctor check your bare feet at every visit.
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2. Cut your toenails straight across
when possible. Make sure there are
no sharp points left, by using an
emery board |
| 3. Wash your feet daily, using warm not hot water. |
| 4. Check them for bumps or sores daily. |
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5. Use a lotion or moisturizer
on your feet to help
prevent the skin from cracking or
breaking down.
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| 6. Do not wear stockings with seams. |
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7. Break in new shoes very
slowly. Wear them for only
one hour a day for the
first week, then add an
hour to the wearing time
every week. |
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8. Check your shoes every time
you put them on, in order to
avoid anything that may cause
an irritation of the feet
to occur. |
| 9. It is not advised to go barefoot due to the nerve loss on the bottom of the feet. |
10. When possible cut your
toenails straight across,
making sure not to leave
an edge that could cut
into the other toes.
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| 11. NEVER USE CORN REMOVER, WART REMOVER, OR ANY OTHER CHEMICAL ON
YOUR FEET. |
12. When bathing check the water
temperature with your elbow before
getting in the bath.
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13. If your feet stay cold at
night wear socks, but do
not use hot water bottles,
or any other device
directly on your feet. |
14.
Always see a podiatrist,
a foot specialist, to take
care of your feet,
and notify them if you see
that a problem area is
not healing well.
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