General Foot Care Advice for People with Diabetes (Low Risk Foot)
We always need to take care of our feet but the cold weather it’s even more important – here is some advice I have been given from my healthcare team…
Footwear – Always wear well fitting shoes and have your feet measured
- Badly fitting shoes can cause blisters, corns and calluses.
- Avoid high heels and narrow fitting shoes.
- A good shoe will have a lace strap and cushioning sole to give your feet support and protection.
- Make sure socks, stockings and tights are a good fit too.
- Where ever possible wear natural fibres such as leather, cotton and wool.
Wash feet daily – use warm water and soap to keep feet clean.
- Pay particular attention to between the toes.
Dry feet carefully – use a soft towel or tissue.
- Dry carefully between toes.
- This will help to prevent infections such as ‘athlete’s foot’.
Cut and file nails – keep nails short and neat.
- Cut nails with a gentle curve rather than straight across – follow the shape of the end of the toe.
- Smooth off rough edges with file or emery board.
- Avoid cutting them too short and never dog down the sides of nails as this can cause damage.
- Always use the right equipment.
Apply cream – apply to areas of dry skin each day to keep it soft and supple.
- Use your favourite foot cream or a general moisturising cream such as E45.
- Avoid putting cream between the toes as it can make the skin too soft and soggy.
Skin and nail problems – if you have problems with hard skin or difficult nails you must get help and advice from a registered podiatrist/chiropodist.
- Do not treat yourself with knives or corn treatments containing acids as these can cause you unnecessary damage.
- Make sure private podiatrists/chiropodists are registered with the ‘Health Professionals Council’ (HPC)