FOOT CARE

• Inspect your feet every day
• Wear shoes and sock. Never walk barefoot.
• Keep skin soft and smooth
• Keep blood flowing to your feet (wiggle toes, move your ankles, don't cross legs for long periods of time).
• Do not expose feet to extreme temperatures (hot or cold).
• Seek care early if you do get a foot injury
• Make sure your health care provider checks your feet at least once a year - more often if you have foot problems.
• Your health care provider should also give you a list and explain the do's and don'ts of foot care.

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In people with diabetes, high blood glucose can cause two complications — both of which can result in foot problems. You may have one or both of these:

• Nerve damage (neuropathy).Nerve damage from high blood glucose usually begins in the hands and feet. It can cause painful symptoms — tingling, aching, or throbbing — but it can also reduce sensation. If you can’t really feel cold, heat, or pain in your feet, it’s easy to ignore an injury or infection. And unfortunately, in people with diabetes, even a small blister or stubbed toe can become serious.

• Poor circulation. High blood glucose can damage your blood vessels and reduce blood flow to your feet. This means that injuries take longer to heal. Over time poor circulation in your feet can even change the shape of your feet and toes. This can cause problems with the way you walk.

Do's and Don'ts of Foot Care