Dear Patient,
If you have diabetes, taking a few minutes each day to check your feet can help prevent serious problems. Conditions like diabetic neuropathy and peripheral artery disease can reduce sensation and blood flow, making it easier for small issues to go unnoticed and harder for wounds to heal.
Here’s a simple step-by-step routine you can follow at home:
Start by washing your feet with warm (not hot) water and mild soap. Dry them carefully, especially between the toes. Then, in a well-lit area, look at the tops, bottoms, sides, heels, and between your toes. If it’s hard to see the bottoms, use a mirror or ask someone for help.
Check for any cuts, blisters, redness, swelling, cracks, or nail changes. Pay attention to areas of pressure or calluses, which can turn into ulcers if not treated. Gently run your hands over your feet to feel for temperature differences or swelling. If you notice numbness, tingling, or burning sensations, make a note of it.
Keep your skin moisturized, but avoid putting lotion between the toes, where excess moisture can lead to infection. Trim your toenails straight across, and never cut into the corners. Always wear clean, well-fitting socks and shoes to protect your feet.
At Advanced Footcare we recommend a professional foot exam at least 4x a year, or more often if you’ve had previous foot problems. Please schedule an appointment sooner if you notice any sores, discoloration, swelling, drainage, or pain that doesn’t improve within 24 – 48 hours. Even small changes can become serious quickly, so early evaluation is key.
If something doesn’t look or feel right, don’t wait, contact our office right away. We’re here to help keep you on your feet and moving safely.
