Having healthy feet means daily checks and care

If you have diabetes, you probably hear and read that you should check your feet every day. What exactly should you be checking for? And how should you take care of your feet?

Inspecting your feet

"Inspect your feet every day for cuts and open sores," says Richard Hansen, podiatrist (foot doctor) at Allina Medical Clinic - Hastings. "If there's no progress in healing within three days, call your doctor."

You should also call your doctor if you notice these signs of infection or other problems:

• numbness, burning or tingling
• unusual temperature (warmer than usual or hot)
• swelling
• drainage, especially if it's white or yellow or smells bad
• changed skin color

"Changes in skin color are important," says Hansen. "Red skin can indicate infection. Darkened or black skin could mean there's dead tissue."

The podiatrist adds that swelling can mean more than infection. "Especially for people who have numbness, or diabetic neuropathy, swelling can indicate a spontaneous fracturing of the foot, which is called a charcot."

Basic foot care

Hansen advises his patients to wash their feet every day in lukewarm water. Very hot or very cold water can hurt your feet. Test the water temperature with your hands if your feet tend to feel numb.

Avoid harsh deodorant soap, because it dries out the skin.

"People used to think soaking the feet was good, but it dries them out," says Hansen. "You don't want dry skin. Use a moisturizer every day."

The podiatrist recommends lanolin-based lotions and lotions or creams like AmLactin® with 12 percent ammonium lactate.

Toenails shouldn't be too long or too short. Cut them straight across. This can prevent unnecessary scratches, which can lead to infection, and ingrown toenails.

Bare feet, socks and shoes

"Never go barefoot, even at home," advises Hansen. "And wear seamless socks."

The podiatrist stresses the importance of checking the insides of your shoes before putting them on, especially if you have numbness and there are small children around. "I had a patient whose foot had to be amputated because of a toy left inside his shoe."

Because your foot swells as the day goes on, Hansen says it's best to buy shoes later in the day. "What feels good at 10 in the morning might not feel so good later in the afternoon," he adds. "If your feet are two different sizes, buy to fit the larger foot."

Regular activity prevents foot damage

Hansen also reminds patients that maintaining a regular exercise program is a good way to help prevent foot damage.

If you already have foot problems, regular exercise may help keep them from getting worse.

Related Links

Diabetes Condition Center

Dialog: Living with Diabetes (free newsletter)

Allina Medical Clinic - Podiatry services

First published: 05/20/2003
Last updated: 03/31/2005

Reviewed by: Paul Kleeberg, MD, medical director, Allina.com