Guidelines for everyday Diabetes foot care

Routine Foot Care Wash your feet daily with mild soap, in lukewarm water Carefully wash and dry between your toes

• Examine your feet daily. Use a mirror to check your soles. If your vision is poor ask someone else to check your feet for you. Report any changes (i.e. injuries, colour changes) immediately, to your health professional
• Check your toenails for length and rough or sharp edges. Nails should be cut straight across with clippers and the corners rounded with a nail file
• Shoes should never be broken in, they should fit properly from the start, as they can damage your feet. Buy shoes in the afternoon when feet are most swollen. Choose a shoe that fastens onto your foot with a strap or laces, and that has enough room for your toes to spread out.
• Check the inside of your shoes before wearing.
• Use socks or stockings with a high natural cotton or wool content.

Foot conditions

• Soggy skin between toes: Dry by using a cotton wool bud and applying methylated spirits. Do not use creams or powders between your toes.
• Dry skin: Apply a moisturising cream.
• Nail disease or Skin problems: Requires assessment by a Podiatrist.
• Reduced circulation or sensation: Requires assessment by a Podiatrist.
• Always wear footwear, both inside and outside the house.

The Feet In Diabetes

Impaired blood circulation makes the feet more susceptible to infections and more likely to heal slowly. The nerves in the feet can be damaged, causing numbness and reduced sensation. Minor injuries, blisters and abrasions may not be felt and go undetected. Infection and ulceration can result if injuries are not attended to appropriately. Amputation of a toe or foot can result from serious long term complications of diabetes.

Prevention is the key

These problems are more likely to occur if blood glucose control is poor, so maintaining good blood glucose control is most important.

Your doctor or podiatrist can do some important non-invasive tests to check both the blood circulation and nerve supply are adequate.

It is important to remember that feet can be susceptible to these problems. When your doctor checks your diabetes, ask them to also check your feet for these diabetes related problems.

Complex Foot Complications

Some foot complications are very disabling and require intensive management from a multi-disciplinary team of health professionals. This service is often called a High Risk Foot Clinic and may be located within a hospital or community health service.

Discuss your need for specialist treatment with your doctor, Diabetes educator or Podiatrist.