-
Do not smoke.
-
Inspect the feet daily for blisters, cuts,
and scratches. A mirror can aid in seeing the bottoms of the feet.
Always check between the
toes.
-
Wash feet daily. Dry them carefully, especially
between the toes.
-
Avoid temperature extremes. Test water with
elbow before bathing.
-
If feet feel cold at night, wear socks.
Do not apply hot water bottles or heating pads. Do not soak
feet in hot water.
-
Do not walk on hot surfaces such as sandy
beaches or on the cement around swimming pools
-
Do not walk barefooted
-
Do not use chemical agents
for the removal of corns and calluses. Do not use
corn plasters. Do not
use strong antiseptic solutions
on the feet.
Do not cut corns and calluses:
follow special instructions from your health care provider.
-
Do
not use adhesive tape on the feet.
-
Inspect the inside of shoes
daily for foreign objects, nail points,
torn linings, and
rough areas.
-
If your vision
is impaired, have a family member
inspect feet
daily, trim the
nails and buff
down calluses.
-
Do
not soak feet.
-
Wear properly fitting
stockings.
Do not wear mended stockings.
Avoid stockings
with seams.
Change
stockings daily.
-
For dry
feet,
use a very
thin
coat of lubricating
oil
such as baby
oil.
Apply the oil
after
bathing and
drying
the
feet. Do not
put
oil or cream
between
the
toes.
Consult your physician
for
detailed instructions.
-
Do
not wear
garters.
-
Shoes
should be
comfortable at
time of
purchase. Do
not depend
on shoes
to stretch
out. Shoes
should be
made of
leather. Running
shoes should
be worn
only after
consulting your
physician.
-
Do
not wear
shoes without
stockings.
-
Do
not wear
sandals with
thongs between
the toes.
-
In
cold weather,
take special
precautions. Wear
wool socks
and protective
foot gear,
such as
fleece-lined boots.
-
Cut
nails straight
across
-
Avoid
crossing
your
legs as
this can
cause pressure
on the
nerves and
blood vessels.
-
See
your
physician
regularly
and
be sure
that
your
feet are
examined
at
each
visit.
-
Notify
your
health
care
provider
at
once
should
you
develop
a
blister
or
sore
on
your
foot.