(Download the diabetes foot care leaflet produced by the podiatry department by CNWPCT) scroll to the end of the page)
People with diabetes have special reason to care for their feet. Diabetes can cause damage to the circulation and feelings in your feet. Most problems can be prevented. Have your feet checked by your podiatrist (foot doctor) and make foot care a part of your daily routine by following the practical steps outlined below.
On average you take 5,000 steps per day
The risk of developing foot problems is reduced with careful daily foot care along with aiming for the best control of your blood glucose levels and your blood pressure. If you smoke try to stop as this will prevent circulation problems. Also try to exercise daily to stimulate blood flow through your feet and legs.
DAILY CARE ROUTINE
Examine your feet once a day in good light. Both on top and underneath using a long handled or angled mirror.
Wash and dry your feet daily, test the water temperature with an elbow to avoid scalding accidents.
Use a mild soap.
Dry especially between toes.
If your skin is dry apply a little moisturising cream daily to your feet, but not between your toes. If your skin is moist between your toes, apply a little surgical spirit or witch hazel using cotton wool.
Cut and file toenails regularly, cut them straight across (unless advised otherwise by your podiatrist) after a bath when they are the softest. Try not to cut them too short. Alternatively, use a file weekly before bathing- your podiatrist will show you how. Use a soft nailbrush if you need to clean the edges of your nails.
Look for cuts or anything unusual such as red areas, calluses (hard skin) and early cracks.
If you develop any corns, hard skin, in growing toe nails or other foot problems, see your podiatrist. All podiatry treatment is free on the NHS.
NEVER use corn plasters or pastes or liquids as they contain strong ACIDS. If you are having problems seek advice from podiatrist.
Any minor cuts or blisters should be covered with sterile dressing. NEVER pick or burst blisters, if they do burst cover with a sterile dressing. If NOT treated promptly, minor wounds can lead to serious infected conditions. So, if minor injuries do not respond, seek help from your podiatrist, doctor or nurse
NEVER use sharp instruments on your feet such as a blade, razor or stiff brushes. You should never use chemical products such as deodorants, sprays or talc on your feet.
Remember diabetes can affect the rate of healing and breaks in the skin may take a little longer to heal. Older people are more at risk.
Socks and stockings should be changes daily. Socks should be made of cotton or wool and long enough for your feet so that your toes are not cramped. Avoid seams, which may cause rubbing and avoid tight elastic, which might reduce your circulation.
Also check inside socks using your hand and turning shoes and socks upside down and shaking.
Check inside shoes for sharp objects such as stones, creased insoles which will irritate your feet.
Never go barefoot
Even in your own home sharp objects such as children’s toys, protruding nails or small stones brought in by shoes in the carpet can lead to foot trauma which may not be noticed until it is too late.
AVOID direct heat and hot water bottles, loss of pain and temperature sensitivity makes these dangerous.
Do not sit too close to fires or heaters, turn off electric blankets and remove hot water bottles before going to bed, wear bed socks instead. Loss of feeling in your feet means you may not be aware you are damaging them. (Poor Sensation)
Take regular exercise, like walking at least three times a week for about twenty minutes each time. Helps circulation as walking makes blood vessels work better, no one really understands why. When resting, do not cross your legs as this can restrict circulation.
If you have sweaty feet wear breathable shoes ( e.g. trainers) change your socks and shoes frequently in summer.
If you do have any concerns or have any questions about the care of your feet contact your Podiatrist, Doctor, Nurse or Diabetes Specialist Nurse.
MILD INFECTIONS CAN UPSET YOUR BLOOD GLUCOSE LEVELS
Consult your podiatrist, doctor or nurse or diabetes specialist nurse immediately if:
You find an ulcer
You do damage your feet or if you notice anything unusual
You notice a colour change in any part of your leg or foot
You notice a discharge coming from a break in the skin, from a corn or under a toenail.
There is any troublesome pain, throbbing, swelling or itching.
REMEMBER
If your are having problems with regular foot care contact a podiatrist- All podiatry treatment on the NHS will be free. Preventative care of the feet, combined with good diabetic control is the best protection against foot problems.
HOT AND COLD WEATHER / HOLIDAYING FEET)
In summer we all like to exchange our everyday shoes for sandals and slippers but remember you will have to be extra careful where you walk to avoid getting damage to your feet. Do not walk bare footed in the grass, little stones, glass can be hidden that can damage your feet if accidentally stood on. Remember feet may be sunburnt if not protected from the suns rays.
Take extra care in winter when rain, snow and cold weather will take their toll on shoes and feet. It’s worth investing in a good pair of waterproof boots. Make sure your feet are always dry and warm.
If you are on holiday do not walk barefoot on hot sand. If you are going on a winter holiday protect your feet from the cold weather wear the correct footwear. Read our Travel Advice for more holidaying info
BE CHOOSY ABOUT FOOT WEAR
Ensure shoes fit well! Wear shoes with soft upper parts such as leather. Shoes must be firm- fitting so that they don’t rub to cause heel blisters. They must not feel too tight as to restrict blood circulation. Make sure there is not too much pressure on any one part of your foot. Your weight should be distributed evenly over the entire heel and sole. Shoes with laces or Velcro fasteners are recommended because they hold your heel firmly in the back of your shoes. This prevents sliding forward and leaves plenty of room for your toes. If you must wear court shoes, do so for only short periods.
Have feet measured.
Remember shoes must fit feet- Not vice versa.
If you have feet that swell during the day try changing your shoes mid day.
Ensure your feet are dry and comfortable.
NEW SHOES Poor fitting shoes can rub the skin and cause a sore area. Wear them in the house to start with for half an hour at a time. Then check your feet for any areas of redness, blistering or swelling.
MORE INFORMATION ON THIS WEBSITE.
The Diabetic Complications are explained in more details in the following section on the website.
Leaflet produced by Charnwood and Northwest Leicestershire Primary Care Trust’s Podiatry Department. (Dec 2004) many more leaflets can be found in our Patient leaflet Section.
Foot Care Leaflet- Podiatry (47KB)