Correct foot care – regenerate your feet

It is very important that you inform your orthopaedic shoemaker and your chiropodist that you are diabetic!

1. Check your feet daily. Should you notice changes such as open sores or discoloured spots, consult your doctor immediately and DO NOT take a foot bath! Always examine your feet from all sides, and under good light. Use a mirror for the undersides or have a second person help you!
2. Wash your feet daily with lukewarm water (ca. 35° C) and use a thermometer to check the temperature. Do not add any bath essences, except maybe a bit of moisturising wash lotion. The foot bath should only take a few minutes.
3. Dry your feet well with a soft towel or disposable towel, especially between the toes. Do not rub or scour, it's best to dab the water off!
4. Afterwards, apply a generous amount of moisturiser, omitting the spaces between the toes. Watch out for cracking skin, especially on the heel. Use only creams with high-quality ingredients and without essential oils.
5. Do not use aggressive creams or plasters for corns or callouses. We recommend socks or stockings made from wool or cotton, or at least with a high cotton content, without a tight rubber band. You might want to wear the seams on the outside.
6. If you tend to get cold feet, you might want to wear bed shoes. Avoid using hot water bottles or electric heaters.
7. Always file your nails straight and never cut them, since the risk of injury is too high. Remove any callouses with a natural pumice stone-- never use tongs, knives, razor blades etc.
8. Check daily that the lining of your shoes is intact and that there are no objects inside the shoes that could puncture your skin!
9. Protect your feet from sunburn! Avoid walking without protective shoes. Let your orthopaedic shoemaker advise you.
10. If you have have recently purchased insoles or orthopaedic shoes and you notice any changes to your feet or their care, then consult your orthopaedic shoemaker immediately.
11. A regular foot care program is recommended. Not only are the feet well cared for and beautiful, but it also addresses abnormal symptoms on feet or legs. Foot care is an important element of learning how to handle diabetes.
12. Foot exercises should be done daily!