| 1. Take care of your diabetes. |
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Work with your healthcare team to keep your blood sugar within a good range. |
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| 2. Check your feet every day. |
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Look at your bare feet every day for cuts, blisters, red spots, and swelling. |
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Use a mirror to check the bottoms of your feet or ask a family member for help if you have trouble seeing. |
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| 3. Wash your feet every day. |
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Wash your feet in warm, not hot, water every day. |
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Dry your feet well. Be sure to dry between the toes. |
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| 4. Keep the skin soft and smooth. |
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Rub a thin coat of skin lotion over the tops and bottoms of your feet, but not between your toes. |
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| 5. Smooth corns and calluses gently. |
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If your feet are at low risk for problems, use a pumice stone to smooth corns and calluses.
Don't use over-the-counter products or sharp objects on corns or calluses . |
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| 6 . If you can see and reach your toenails, trim them each week or when needed. |
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Trim your toenails straight across and file the edges with an emery board or nail file. |
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| 7. Wear shoes and socks at all times. |
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Never walk bare foot. |
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Wear comfortable shoes that fit well and protect your feet. |
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Feel inside your shoes before putting them on each time to make sure the lining is smooth and there are no objects inside. |
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| 8. Protect you feet from hot and cold. |
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Wear shoes at the beach or on hot pavement. |
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Wear socks at night if your feet get cold. |
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Don't test bath water with your feet. |
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Don't use hot water bottles or heating pads. |
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| 9. Keep the blood flowing to your feet. |
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Put your feet up when sitting. |
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Wiggle your toes and move your ankles up and down for 5 minutes, 2 or 3 times a day. |
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Don't cross your legs for long periods of time. |
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Don't smoke. |
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| 10. Be more active. |
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Plan your physical activity program with your doctor. |
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| 11. Check with your doctor. |
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Have your doctor check your bare feet and find out whether you are likely to have serious foot problems. Remember that you may not feel the pain of an injury. |
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Follow your doctor's advice about foot care. |
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Call your doctor right away if you find a cut, sore, blister, or bruise on your foot that does not begin to heal after one day. |
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| 12. Get started now. |
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Set a time every day to check your feet. |
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Begin taking good care of your feet today! |
