Diabetic Foot Care
If you have diabetes, you are at increased risk of foot problems and amputation. Therefore, it is very important that you check your feet on the top, bottom, sides, between the toes, toenails at least once a day.
Things you should look for:
- Bumps, lumps, blisters or bruises.
- Cuts, sores, or cracked skin. Even the tiniest crack can become infected.
- Patches of thin or shiny skin (which can signal lack of blood flow) or areas of redness (especially red streaks, which can signal the presence of infection).
- Temperature differences (one part warm, another cold). This can signal lack of blood flow.
- Pain, tingling, numbness or no feeling at all. These can signal nerve problems.
- Ingrown toenails with red, puffy skin along the nail and tenderness or pain.
- Loss of hair on foot or leg, which also can signal reduced blood flow.
- If you have any of these signs or symptoms, seek medical care immediately. Your foot is at risk.
- In addition to doing daily foot inspections, see a foot care professional for regular foot examinations and preventive foot care.
Do not attempt to cut toenails if you have neuropathy or other foot problems related to diabetes. See a foot care professional regularly for toenail care and foot examinations. Never attempt to cut or file calluses or other protrusions on your feet.
