Giving your feet a hand:

You can help to prevent foot pain due to an increased risk of damage to nerves and blood vessels by following these simple foot care tips:

1. Wash your feet in warm water with mild soap every day, but don’t soak them. Dry them well.

2. Check your feet every day for cuts, sores, blisters, redness, calluses, or any other problem. Call your doctor if healing process doesn’t start after one day.

3. If your skin is dry, rub lotion on your feet after you wash and dry them. Do not put lotion between your toes.

4. Gently file corns and calluses with an emery board. Do this after your bath or shower while skin is still soft.

5. Trim your toenails once a week or when needed. Cut them with nail clippers then smooth the edges with an emery board. If you are unable to do this, ask a family member or your health care professional for help.

6. Always wear socks to avoid blisters.

7. Always wear slippers or shoes to protect your feet from injuries. Even around your own home.

Having the right footwear may help diabetics to keep their feet healthy and free from cuts or blisters. Of course, everyone will get blisters and minor foot injuries from time to time, but having wide, comfortable shoes can help to prevent them significantly.