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Every person with diabetes should have a complete
foot exam at least once a year. The exam
should include:
Checking the pulses of your feet to see if there is a circulation
problem.
Checking the nerve functions of your feet using a filament.
Evaluating any problems such as bunions, corns, athlete’s feet, fungal
nails, ingrown toenails.
A discussion of of foot care.
Take care of your feet every day:
· Check your feet every day for sores, calluses, red spots, cuts, swelling,
and blisters. If you cannot see the
bottom of your feet, use a mirror or ask someone to check your feet for
you.
· Call your health care provider, no matter how small your wound. A small cut can quickly become large and
infected.
· Do not cut calluses or corns yourself.
See your health care provider if cutting is needed.
· Wash your feet
every day. Dry them carefully,
especially between your toes.
· Use skin cream
(but not between your toes) if your feet are dry.
· Cut toenails
straight across. File the edges so they are smooth. If you have trouble reaching your feet, ask a
family member to cut your nails.
· Don’t walk
barefoot.
· Don’t smoke!
Smoking cuts off blood flow.
Choose comfortable shoes that fit well:
· Choose shoes
with a low heel and plenty of room for your toes.
· Choose leather
dress shoes; for everyday wear, walking or running shoes are a good choice.
· Break in new
shoes slowly.
· Check inside
your shoes for stones or other objects before putting them on.
· Wear clean
padded socks to protect your feet.
Keep your diabetes under control. High blood sugar levels are behind most foot
problems of people with diabetes.
Written by: Karen
Halderson, MPH, RD, LD
CDE Extension Diabetes Coordinator
Adapted
from materials from the American Diabetes Association
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