Foot Wellness Info for Diabetics

If you have Diabetes, you need to pay special attention to your feet because they are susceptible to many problems that can land you in the hospital. Here are a few important things that you need to know:

1. Never go barefoot in the house- You are more likely to run into trouble if you don't have shoes, slippers or sandals. They will give your feet protection against stepping on foreign bodies or even just bumping them into a piece of furniture. My “go-to” house shoe is an orthopedic open-toe sandal with a rear strap for stability. Otherwise, a sturdy athletic “slide” sandal is second-best.

2. Make sure your shoes correspond to the length and width of your feet- You should be able to "play the piano" with your toes inside your shoes. If you have a "bunion", you should look to get a wide width shoe. I recommend sneakers, walking shoes or orthopedic shoes if you need a wide width.

3. Look at your feet daily- Use your or someone else's eyes to inspect your feet every day. If you have "neuropathy" (nerve dysfunction), you may not have good sensation in your feet. Hold your feet up to a mirror to check for trouble spots or signs of an infection (red, hot, swollen area).

4. Never use "medicated" corn or callus pads- This "medication" is actually an "acid" and that can lead to burns, blisters or infections.

5. Make regular visits to a podiatrist to get professional care of your feet- They are the "foot experts" and will help to keep you walking. Remember that mobility is the key factor for longevity!

Don’t forget to "Start With Your Feet".

Walk Strong…with orthotics,

Doc Rick DPM