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Because you have diabetes, it is very possible
that circulation of blood to your legs and feet is slower and more
sluggish. If you are a newly diagnosed diabetic, this is a future
possibility. This problem could be a factor in your ability
to fight infection. A little sore or cut on your foot or lower
leg, if not properly treated, might lead to serious complications.
Therefore, it is important that you prevent any injury to your feet
and follow a very careful plan of foot hygiene. I have listed
some very basic steps that all diabetics should consider. You
must always remember that if you have a question or concern; you should
call your referring doctor or my office and just ask!
| 1.
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Bathe your feet daily in lukewarm soapy water
and rinse thoroughly. Make sure the water is NOT HOT.
Test temperature with your hand, thermometer or another person.
Diabetes affects sensation and your temperature sensation
may not be true. This will prevent burns. Carefully
and gently pat your feet dry after soaking, do not rub.
Use a soft towel and remember to dry gently between all toes.
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| 2. |
Wear clean socks, change them daily and discard
when worn out. Inspect the socks daily for signs
of drainage from an open sore that you do not know you have
or can feel.
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| 3. |
Wear shoes that fit snugly, but not tight.
To help assure dryness, rotate your shoes every day
and keep your shoes in good condition. Break in new
shoes gradually. Wear only a few hours at first to
prevent blisters and sore spots. |
| 4. |
Keep your toenails trimmed. Since you
are a diabetic, it is not recommended that you cut your own
toe nails because you could cause an infection. Visit
your podiatrist regularly for routine care, examination and
circulation tests. |
| 5. |
Do not attempt to trim your own corns and calluses.
Do not use commercial corn or wart remedies. These contain
harmful acids that are very dangerous to diabetics. |
| 6. |
Always wear shoes or slippers around the house,
especially outside of the house, in your yard or at the beach.
Remember, bare feet invite injuries! |
| 7. |
Avoid wearing anything tight around your legs
or ankle that might in any way reduce of cut off the blood
supply to your feet. Avoid extremes of cold or heat.
Never use hot water bottles or heating pads to warm your feet
as you may get a burn. Use warm socks if feet are cold. |
| 8. |
DO NOT SMOKE !! Smoking constricts blood
vessels and directly affects the blood supply to your feet.
Nicotine gum does the same. |
| 9. |
Examine your feet daily. If you find
any sores, cuts, redness, swelling, pus, blisters (EVEN IF
YOU HAVE NO PAIN !!) report this to Dr. Brandeisky's
Office IMMEDIATELY. Tell the answering
service or receptionist that it is a diabetic emergency. |
If you have questions about foot care or
would like to receive more information, you can reach my office at
(732) 308-1090 or E-mail me at jb@njfootdoc.com.
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