People with diabetes are prone to foot problems that can. lead to amputations. treating foot problems, especially related to diabetes. …
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Healthy Feet
People with diabetes are prone to foot problems Amputations due to diabetes can be prevented A podiatrist is a doctor who specializes in treating foot problems Neglecting a foot sore or injury can quickly turn into a serious infection Daily foot care is important for people who have diabetes Smoking and alcohol use can cause circulation and nerve damage to feet
People with diabetes are prone to foot problems that can lead to amputations An amputation can end a career, limit your freedom and ability to move around, and decrease your quality of life Controlling diabetes, practicing good daily foot care, and visiting your podiatrist can prevent amputations A podiatrist is a doctor who specializes in treating foot problems, especially related to diabetes Common foot problems are caused by sores or injuries from poor-fitting shoes, irritation from the seam of a sock, a stubbed toe, ingrown toenail, or irritation from a pebble in your shoe that you cannot feel Any sore or injury to your foot, if neglected, can quickly turn into a serious infection and result in amputation If you have diabetes, take action to protect and care for your feet
Wear
Comfortable Shoes That Fit Well
Consult an experienced shoe fitter when you buy new shoes Shoes should fit comfortably when you try them on, and you should have plenty of room to freely move your toes Dont buy shoes that are tight or pinch, or have high heels or pointed toes that can cause pressure points The best shoes for daily footwear are cushioned like running or walking shoes Break in new shoes for short periods to avoid irritation Sandals or other shoes with open toes or heels can expose your feet to injury Never go barefoot, even in your own home and especially outdoors
Wash and Check Your Feet Every Daily
Always test water temperature with your elbow first before stepping into a hot bath People with diabetes often lose the ability to feel temperature with their feet and may suffer dangerous burns from putting feet into water that is too hot Dry feet gently before putting on shoes and socks Check your feet for red areas, cuts, bruises, sores, or other changes Use a mirror to see the bottoms of your feet Use a cream or moisturizer on dry, ro 
ugh areas Do not put moisturizer between your toes Socks should be clean, soft, and without seams that can cause irritation Before
putting them on shake out and check the inside of shoes for anything that might rub or injure feet
College of Agriculture and Home Economics Cooperative Extension Service Kare Halderson, MPH, RD, CDE Extension Diabetes Coordinator Martha Archuleta, PhD, RD Extension Food and Nutrition Specialist
Never Try to Remove Calluses, Corns, Warts, or Ingrown Toenails
Always see your health care provider or podiatrist for help with these problems You can easily injure yourself by using razors or scissors on feet or toes Always cut toenails straight across and use an emery board to round sharp corners Never use scissors to cut corners or dig out ingrown nails Do not use corn or wart removal preparations that can burn skin
Where to Go for More Information Your health care provider American Diabetes Association: 1-800-DIABETES wwwdiabetesorg National Diabetes Education Program: 1-800-438-5383 or visit the World Wide Web at ndepnihgov or wwwcdcgov New Mexico Diabetes Prevention and Control Program wwwdiabetesnmorg Your county Extension office
Original Author: Raylene McCalman, Extension Diabetes Coordinator
Stop Smoking and Drinking Alcoholic Beverages
Smoking can cause circulation
problems in the feet, making it difficult for healing to take place Drinking alcoholic beverages can cause damage to nerves in the legs and feet Damaged nerves result in loss of sensation, making it difficult to feel pain or injuries See your health care provider if you notice: changesinthecolorortemperatureof your feet anyunusualpaininyourfeetorlegs anyopensoresorcracksintheskin– especially ones that do not heal ingrowntoenails cornsorcallusesthatbleedundertheskin
This publication was made possible by grants from New Mexico State Universitys Cooperative Extension Service and the New Mexico Department of Health Diabetes Prevention and Control Program New Mexico State University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and educator NMSU and the US Department of Agriculture cooperating
Revised December 2007 Las Cruces, NM
This publication is scheduled to be updated and reissued Dec 2012
