With a diabetic foot, a wound as small as a blister from wearing a shoe that`s too tight can cause a lot of damage.

Here`s some basic advice for taking care of your feet:

Buy shoes late in the day. Never buy shoes that need “breaking in.” They should be immediately comfortable. Request shoes with deep toe boxes and made of leather upper material. Do not wear new shoes more than two hours at a time. Rotate your shoes. Do not wear the same ones every day.

Call our care immediately if you experience any injury to your foot. Even a minor injury is an emergency for a patient with diabetes.

 Do not file down, remove or shave calluses or corns

DO NOT SMOKE. It decreases the blood supply to your feet.

Ask about soaking your feet

Do not trim your own toenails.

Do not use any chemicals or strong antiseptic solutions on your feet. Iodine, salicylic acid, corn/callus removers are dangerous.

Do not wear stockings or socks with tight elastic backs and do not use garters. Do not wear any socks with holes. Always wear shoes with socks.

Don`t use any tape or sticky products such as corn plasters on your feet. They can rip your skin.

 Examine your feet daily for redness, warmth, blisters, ulcers, scratches, cuts and nail problems from shoes or other sources. Look at the bottoms and between toes. Use a mirror or have someone else look for you.

Examine your shoes for foreign objects, protruding nails and rough spots inside before putting them on.

If the circulation in your feet is impaired, contact our care.

In the winter, wear warm socks and protective footwear. Avoid getting your feet wet in the snow and rain and avoid letting your toes get cold.

Keep feet away from heat (heating pads, hot water pads, electric blankets, radiators, fireplaces). You can burn your feet without knowing it. Water temperature should be less than 92 degrees. Estimate with your elbow or bath thermometer (you can get one in any store that sells infant products).

Lubricate your entire foot if your skin is dry, but avoid putting cream between toes.

NEVER walk barefoot, neither indoors nor out.

Never wear sandals or thongs.