Self Care

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Why You Really Hurt
It All Starts in the foot

by Dr. Burton S. Shuler

People with diabetes can reduce

their risk of amputation by

following a few 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.

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