Self Care

Here are the guidelines for self care that most foot doctor, podiatrist use, and the ones that I have used for about 30 years in my office in Panama City Fl.

People with diabetes can reduce their risk of amputation by following a few qt simple guidelines:
1. Have your doctor check your bare feet at every visit.
2. Cut your toenails straight across when possible. Make sure there are no sharp points left, by using an emery board
3. Wash your feet daily, using warm not hot water.
4. Check them for bumps or sores daily.
5. Use a lotion or moisturizer on your feet to help prevent the skin from cracking or breaking down.
6. Do not wear stockings with seams.
7. Break in new shoes very slowly. Wear them for only one hour a day for the first week, then add an hour to the wearing time every week.
8. Check your shoes every time you put them on, in order to avoid anything that may cause an irritation of the feet to occur.
9. It is not advised to go barefoot due to the nerve loss on the bottom of the feet.
10. When possible cut your toenails straight across, making sure not to leave
an edge that could cut into the other toes.
11. NEVER USE CORN REMOVER, WART REMOVER, OR ANY OTHER CHEMICAL ON YOUR FEET.
12. When bathing check the water temperature with your elbow before
getting in the bath.
13. If your feet stay cold at night wear socks,  but do not use hot water bottles, or any other device directly on your feet.
14. Always see a podiatrist, a foot specialist, to take care of your feet, and notify them if you see that a problem area is not healing well.