diabetic footcare1. Visit Your Healthcare Provider

They will keep your blood glucose (sugar), blood pressure, and cholesterol in check.

2. Make it a Habit to Check Your Feet Every Day

Serious foot problems can happen without feeling pain. Check your feet for cuts, sores, swelling, and infected toenails.

3. Wash Your Feet in Warm Water Every Day

Soaking your feet can cause your skin to get dry. Dry very well when you are done, especially between your toes. Use anti-fungal powder or cornstarch to keep the skin between your toes dry.

4. Moisturize Your Feet Every Day

Rub a thin coat of moisturizing cream on the tops and bottoms of your feet to keep your skin soft and smooth. DO NOT apply the cream between the toes. This could trap moisture and contribute to the development of Athlete’s Foot.

5. If You Have Corns or Calluses, Check With Our Podiatrists About the Best Way to Care for Them

Smooth your corns and calluses gently. You can use a pumice stone to smooth corns and calluses after bathing. Rub gently in only one direction to avoid tearing the skin.

6. Trim Your Toenails Each Week (Or Ask Our Podiatrists to Trim Them

If you decide to cut your toenails yourself, trim your toenails with clippers after washing and drying your feet. Trim them straight across and smooth with an emery board or file. DO NOT cut the corners of the toenails as it can cause an ingrown nail, file them instead.

7. DO NOT Walk Barefoot—Even Indoors

It’s easy to step on something and hurt your feet. Always wear socks, stockings, or nylons with your shoes to help avoid blisters and sores.

8. Protect Your Feet From Heat and Cold

Wear shoes at the beach or on hot pavement. Put sunscreen on the top of your feet to prevent sunburn Wear socks and night if your feet are cold and wear warm shoes or boots in the cold weather.

9. Keep the Blood Flowing to Your Feet

Put up your feet when you are sitting; wiggle your toes for five minutes two or three times a day; don’t cross your legs for long periods of time; don’t smoke; work with your health care team to control your diabetes.

10. Ask Your Doctor to Help Plan a Daily Activity Program That’s Right for You

Walking, swimming, dancing, and bicycling are good forms of exercise that are easy on the feet. Always include a warm-up and cool-down period, and wear good athletic shoes, such as our Brooks shoes at our Heavenly Steps Footwear Store in Grapevine. Your shoes need to fit well to provide good support. We will check your foot size for proper length and width.

11. Start Now! 

Begin taking good care of your feet today. Set a time every day to check your feet. If you notice anything that doesn’t seem quite right, call our office at 817-481-4000 or complete our contact form to schedule an appointment as soon as possible. These steps will lead to healthier, happier feet!