Archived Article From April 2007
Foot Care Made Easy
By: Colette N. Outten, PT, DPT
Leonardo Da Vinci said, “The human foot is a masterpiece of
engineering and a work of art.” This might inspire you to think
twice about your natural foundation, especially if you have
diabetes. Diabetics can develop a multitude of foot problems,
including sores and infections. The simplest problem can worsen and
lead to loss of mobility, or ultimately amputation. Foot problems
most commonly result from diabetic blood vessel and nerve diseases
that affect the legs and feet. Below are some
dos and
don’ts of easy
foot care so you can take good care of your masterpiece.
Do…
1) Wash your feet daily, especially between your toes.
2) Dry between your toes after bathing.
3) Inspect your feet daily (using a mirror if necessary).
4) Apply a moisturizer to your foot daily (but not between your
toes).
5) Wear clean socks daily.
6) Wear shoes that fit properly and check inside your shoe before
wearing.
7) Protect your feet from temperature extremes; for example, test
your bath water and wear shoes when walking at the beach or on hot
pavement.
8) Put your feet up when sitting and keep the blood flowing to your
feet by moving your ankles up and down and by wiggling your toes.
9) Follow your doctor’s plan to manage your diabetes; this may
include being more active and keeping your blood glucose in a target
range.
10) Immediately report changes in your feet to your doctor.
Don’t…
1) Walk barefoot
2) Sit with your legs crossed
3) Wear stockings with elastic tops
4) Wear round elastic garters
5) Wear run-down shoes or worn-out socks
6) Smoke
7) Expose yourself to cold weather, use a hot water bottle or
heating pad
8) Get sunburned
9) Put medicine on corns or cut them without your doctor’s
supervision
10) Dig into the corner of your toes
Managing your diabetes can be challenging, but your foot care
doesn’t have to be.
Colette is staff physical therapist as well as a member of the
Diabetes Management Team at McCready Foundation, Inc.
References: 1. O’Sullivan SB. Assessment of Motor Function. In:
O’Sullivan SB, Schmitz TJ. Physical Rehabilitation Assessment and
Treatment. 4th ed. F.A. Davis Co; Philadelphia, PA; 2001. p. 609.
2. http://www.diabetes.org/type-2-diabetes/foot-care.jsp
3. http://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-research/summaries/footcare.jsp
Announcements
The Tri-County Diabetes Alliance
will sponsor and conduct several health education and outreach
programs addressing prevention of pre-diabetes and diabetes. This
will include presentations and free health screenings in a variety
of settings including schools, worksites, faith based communities,
and other community centers. Please check our
events calendar by clicking here .
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Take Our On-Line Risk Assessment by
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