FOOT CARE

Athletic Foot Care

*Wash your feet every day, and dry thoroughly.

Wear only good-quality, well-fitting cotton socks.*

*Always use the correct shoe for each sport and surface.

*Get in shape. Being overweight or out of shape places added stress on the feet. Condition yourself gradually with stretching exercises for 15-20 minutes before starting and after any activity ("warm-up" and "warm-down").

* Wear correct shoes Footwear should be given the same consideration as any other piece of sporting equipment. Sports shoes should protect as much as possible, be durable, and should be right for the sport and surface. If running, the shoe should have adequate cushioning in the mid-sole and a flared heel for stability.

Diabetic Foot Care

*Visit your doctor to examine your feet at least every 3 months.

*Contact your doctor immediately If the circulation in your feet is impaired or you experience any injury to your foot. Even a minor injury is an emergency for a patient with diabetes.

*Control your  blood sugar level. 

*Do not use any chemicals or strong antiseptic solutions on your feet. Iodine, salicylic acid, corn/callus removers are dangerous.

*Don't use any tape or sticky products such as corn plasters on your feet. They can rip your skin. 

*Do not file down, remove or shave calluses or corns by your self. 

*DO NOT SMOKE. It decreases the blood supply to your feet

Do not trim your own toenails.*

*Do not wear stockings or socks with tight elastic backs and do not use garters. Do not wear any socks with holes. Always wear shoes with socks.

*Examine your feet daily for redness, warmth,  blisters, ulcers, scratches, cuts and nail problems from shoes or other sources. Look at the bottoms and between toes. Use a mirror or have someone else look for you.

*In the winter, wear warm socks and protective footwear. 

 *Avoid getting your feet wet in the snow and rain and avoid letting your toes get cold.

*Ask about soaking your feet

*Keep feet away from heat (heating pads, hot water pads, electric blankets, radiators, fireplaces). You can burn your feet without knowing it. Water temperature should be less than 92 degrees. Estimate with your elbow or bath thermometer (you can get one in any store that sells infant products).

* Lubricate your entire foot if your skin is dry, but avoid putting cream between toes. 

*NEVER walk barefoot, neither indoors nor out.

Never wear sandals or thongs.* 

* Buy shoes late in the day. Never buy shoes that need "breaking in." They should be immediately comfortable. Request shoes with deep toe boxes and made of leather upper material. Do not wear new shoes more than two hours at a time. Rotate your shoes. Do not wear the same ones every day.