Neuropathy Self Care Neuropathy Foot Care Tips

• Wash your feet every day with a mild soap and warm water. Check the water temperature with your elbow.

• Use a soft wash cloth.

• Be gentle with your feet…DON’T SCRUB.

• Dry feet with a soft towel by blotting or patting; dry thoroughly between the toes.

• Inspect feet daily for redness, blister or cuts, change in temperature (cold), swelling, and/or loss of feeling. If you cannot see to do this yourself, have someone else inspect your feet or use a mirror.

• Clean dirt out from under the toenails; never use a knife or anything sharp for this purpose. An orange stick or a nail file should be used.

• Cut toenails straight across, using scissors.

• Never use a razor blade or pocketknife for trimming corns or toenails.

• Corns and calluses can be rubbed down with sandpaper or a fine emery board after they have been soaked.

• Never use corn remedies. Corn pads should be used only on doctor’s advice.

• Do not use inserts or pads without medical advice.

• Use lotion on feet and legs daily (not between the toes) i.e. Bag-balm.

• Never walk barefooted. This includes getting up to go to the bathroom at night. Never walk barefooted on hot surfaces, such as sandy beaches or around swimming pools.

• Always wear white socks.

• Protect your feet with warm cotton or woolen socks in cold weather.

• Wear shoes that fit properly with plenty of room for toes.

• Before putting on shoes, always check for foreign objects.

• Inspect your shoes daily for cracks in the soles, wrinkles in the lining, and bunching up of construction material.

• Avoid pointed or open-toed shoes.

• New shoes should always be broken in slowly. Start by wearing them for 1 hour on the first day, increasing 1 hour each day. Gradually build to full day.

• Leather or canvas shoes permit moisture to evaporate and also absorb perspiration better than shoes with synthetic uppers. Allow time for footwear to air dry between wearings.

• Remove shoes whenever possible, such as during coffee breaks.

• Shoes should be purchased in the afternoon, when feet are the largest due to swelling.

• Change shoes every 5 hours.

• Walk slowly and take short steps as if you are walking on eggs.

• Takes frequent rest periods during the day and elevate your feet.

• If your feet are cold at night, wear loose-fitting socks to bed.

• Avoid very hot or very cold water. Never use hot water bottles, heating pads, hot compresses, or heating lamps near your feet.

• Avoid elastic socks and socks that have holes, mends, seams or edges.

• Do not wear garters or girdles, and do not tie your stockings.

• Do not cross legs while sitting, to avoid nerve pressure injury.

• Loosen bed clothing at the bottom of the bed to reduce pressure on the toes.

• STOP SMOKING!

• Have regular foot evaluations by physicians & foot specialist.

REMEMBER: THE FEET YOU SAVE WITH SELF CARE ARE YOURS!

• Diabetes • Neuropathies • Diabetic Neuropathies • Diabetic Self Care • Diabetic Hygiene • Diabetic Foot Care Guide by LifeClinic