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Daily Foot Inspection Is Crucial for All Diabetics
Taking care of your feet is one of the most
important things you can do. A few minutes each morning spent in
conducting a thorough foot inspection can greatly reduce the risk of a
simple problem developing into a major and potential life-threatening
problem.
Foot Inspection Checklist:
o Check between toes - look for cracked skin
or redness and rashes.
o Check
toenails - for cracks or breaks and
inspect for signs of ingrown nails.
o Check toes for signs of deformities or
claw-toe deformity.
o Check foot and lower leg for skin discoloration.
o Check foot for corns, calluses, and blisters.
o Check sole of foot for wounds, lesions, or
cracked skin.
o Check toes and foot - for numbness or loss of
feeling.
Checklist for Proper Foot Care
1. Keep feet clean and infection free
o Wash feet daily with
lukewarm water and mild soap.
o Never use hot water,
which may cause burns and irritate skin.
o Pat feet dry with soft
towel - never rub skin to dry.
o Moisturizers may be
used to keep skin soft and pliable.
o Keep skin between toes
dry - never put moisturizers between toes.
2. Consult your health-care provider
o Do not treat corns,
calluses, or bunions without consulting a doctor.
o Notify your doctor at
first sign of blisters or infection.
o Consult your doctor or
podiatrist if you develop ingrown toenails.
o Inspect your feet and
toes daily and thoroughly!
3. Wear proper
footwear only
o Have shoes properly fitted by a professional.
o Avoid pointed-toe shoes and high heels.
o Never wear open-toe shoes or sandals.
o Wear lightweight, "breathable" shoes,
preferably with cushion soles.
o Inspect your shoes every day for foreign
objects, broken linings, and nails that may protrude into the shoes.
o Always wear special, diabetic-correct
socks. (See next section).
Tips on Selecting
Your Shoes:
· Buy new shoes in the afternoon when your feet
have swollen the most.
· Wear your diabetic socks when you're being
fitted.
· Make certain shoes are neither too tight or
too loose.
· Break in new shoes gradually wear for only
an hour or two each day. |
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