Taking Care of Your Feet: A Guide for People with Diabetes

Smooth corns and calluses gently

After bathing or showering, use a pumice stone to smooth corns and calluses. A pumice stone is a type of rock used to smooth the skin. Rub gently, only in one direction, to avoid tearing the skin.

Do not cut corns and calluses. Dont use razor blades, corn plasters, or liquid corn and callus removers they can damage your skin. If you have corns and calluses, check with your doctor or foot care specialist.

Trim your toenails each week or when needed
Trim your toenails with clippers after you wash and dry your feet. Trim them straight across, and smooth them with an emery board or nail file.

Dont cut into the corners of the toenail. If you cant see well, or if your toenails are thick or yellowed, have your doctor or foot care specialist trim them.

Wear shoes and socks at all times
Wear shoes and socks at all times. Dont walk barefoot not even indoors because it is easy to step on something and hurt your feet.

Always wear socks, stocking, or nylons with your shoes to help avoid blisters and sores. Choose socks made of cotton or wool. They help keep your feet dry.

Check the insides of your shoes before you put them on to be sure the lining is smooth and that there are no objects in them.

Wear shoes that fit well and protect your feet.

Protect your feet from hot and cold
Wear shoes at the beach or on hot pavement, and put sunscreen on the top of your feet to prevent sunburn.

Keep your feet away from radiators and open fire, and dont put hot water bottles or heating pads on your feet. Wear socks at night if your feet get cold. Lined boots are good in winter to keep your feet warm.

Check your feet often in cold weather to avoid frostbite.

Keep the blood flowing to your feet
Put your feet up when you are sitting.

Wiggle your toes for five minutes, two or three times a day. Move your ankles up and down and in and out to improve blood flow in your feet and legs, and dont cross your legs for long periods of time.

Dont wear tight socks, elastic or rubber bands, or garters around your legs.

Dont smoke. Smoking reduces blood flow to your feet. (Check the PersonalMD Stop Smoking Center for information on how to stop if you currently smoke.)

If you have high blood pressure or high cholesterol, work with your health care team to lower it.

Be more active
Ask your doctor to help you plan an activity program that is right for you. Walking, dancing, swimming, and bicycling are good forms of exercise that are easy on the feet.

Avoid activities that are hard on the feet, such as running and jumping. Include a short warm-up and cool-down period, and wear well-fitting athletic shoes that provide good support.

What Should I Ask My Doctor?

When talking to your doctor, ask him or her how often you need to have your feet checked. If you have serious foot problems, they should be checked at every visit; if not, your feet should be checked at least once a year.

When checking your feet, your doctor should check the sense of feeling and pulses in your feet. Ask your doctor to show you how to care for your feet and demonstrate any techniques that you will do at home, such as how to cut your toenails properly.

Proper footwear is important for healthy feet. Talk to your doctor about the type of shoes you normally wear and whether or not you may need special shoes or insoles.

Proper footwear is important to keeping your feet healthy. Shoes made of canvas or leather are usually good for daily wear. They support your feet and allow them to breathe.

Avoid wearing vinyl or plastic shoes as they dont stretch or allow your feet to breathe. Shoes that have pointed toes or high heels should also be avoided as they put too much pressure on your toes.

Get started now. Begin taking care of your feet today. You can do it!

Medicare Coverage for Special Footwear

Ask your doctor about Medicare coverage for special footwear. You may need special shoes or shoe inserts to prevent serious foot problems. If you have Medicare Part B insurance, you may be able to get some of the cost of the special shoes or inserts paid for. Ask your doctor whether you qualify for: one of the following:

One pair of custom molded shoes (including inserts) and two additional pairs of inserts, OR
One pair of depth shoes and three pairs of inserts. Depth shoes look like athletic or walking shoes, but have more room in them. The extra room allows for different shaped feet and toes, or for special inserts made to fit your feet.

If you qualify, your doctor or podiatrist will tell you how to get your special shoes.

Source: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

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