What is diabetes foot care?

Diabetes Foot Care

How should you break in new shoes when you have diabetic neuropathy?

If you have diabetic neuropathy, you need to break in new shoes slowly. This is especially important with leather shoes.

  • The first week, wear your new shoes only 1 to 2 hours a day.
  • The second week, wear your new shoes 2 to 3 hours a day.
  • You can increase the amount of time you wear the new shoes each week.

When you wear new shoes, check your feet for pressure spots, redness, or blisters twice a day.

Diabetes foot health: When to call

Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

  • You have a foot sore, an ulcer or break in the skin that is not healing after 4 days, bleeding corns or calluses, or an ingrown toenail.
  • You have blue or black areas, which can mean bruising or blood flow problems.
  • You have peeling skin or tiny blisters between your toes or cracking or oozing of the skin.
  • You have a fever for more than 24 hours and a foot sore.
  • You have new numbness or tingling in your feet that does not go away after you move your feet or change positions.
  • You have unexplained or unusual swelling of the foot or ankle.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

  • You cannot do proper foot care.

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The content above contains general health information provided by Healthwise, Incorporated, and reviewed by its medical experts. This content should not replace the advice of your healthcare provider. Not all treatments or services described are offered as services by us. For recommended treatments, please consult your healthcare provider.