Our Top 12 Diabetic Foot Care Tips

If you have diabetes, you probably know how dangerous the disease can be to your feet. Just a small cut can lead to serious complications. Because November is Diabetes Awareness Month, today Dr. Ross Cohen of The Foot & Ankle Center of Maryland is sharing his top 12 tips for diabetic foot care.

1.    Cleanse your feet in lukewarm water. Clean your feet by washing them each day using only lukewarm – never hot - water.

2.    Moisturize your feet daily. Apply a moisturizer to keep dry skin from cracking or itching. But don't use it between the toes, as it could prompt a fungal infection.

3.    Cut nails correctly. Cut toenails straight across and file the edges. But don’t cut them too short, as this could lead to ingrown toenails. 

4.    Examine your feet each day. Check for blisters, redness, swelling, cuts or issues with the toenails and contact your podiatrist if you notice anything that doesn’t look quite right.

5.    Wear socks when in bed. Never use a hot water bottle or heating pad - if your feet tend to get cold at night, wear socks instead.

6.    Be gentle. Bathe feet using a soft sponge or washcloth and blot or pat dry gently, being especially careful to dry the area between the toes thoroughly.

7.    Keep your feet dry and warm. Don’t let your feet get wet in winter rain or snow and wear warm shoes and socks.

8.    Never treat calluses or corns by yourself. Never perform “bathroom surgery” – visit your podiatrist for proper treatment.

9.    Wear dry, clean socks. Consider purchasing socks made especially for diabetics. These socks have extra cushioning, are higher than the ankle, are produced from fibers that wick moisture away from the skin and don’t have elastic tops. Be sure to change them daily.

10.  Never walk barefoot, not even when at home! Always wear slippers or shoes to avoid stepping on something and getting a cut or scratch.

11.  Control your diabetes. You can do this by monitoring your blood sugar levels and keeping them under control.

12.  See your podiatrist for regular foot exams. Visiting your podiatrist regularly can help prevent diabetic foot complications.

If you are living with diabetes, don’t take any chances with your feet! Contact the office of Dr. Ross Cohen of The Foot & Ankle Center of Maryland today to schedule your next visit. You can call the office at (410) 761-3501 or request an appointment online.