Prevention is better than cure

Do's• Check your feet daily (use a mirror to observe the sole of the feet) for blisters, bruises, scratches, cuts, wounds, odour, thorns, discolouration, callus, corns, bleeding, fungal infections between the toes, elevated temperature, pressure points beneath the feet etc.• Visit a foot care specialist regularly and ensure that your feet are examined during each visit.• Wash your feet daily (twice) with running tap water and soap and dry them thoroughly with asoft towel, especially between the toes.• Cut your nails straight across in a square manner and file the edges using a nail file. Nail trimming should be done soon after taking a bath as the nails tend to be soft.• Apply a thin coat of moisturizing cream on the leg and feet as advised by your diabetic foot surgeon/podiatrist, avoid applying between the toes.• Wear specialized footwear made of soft material indoors and outdoors preferably with cotton socks.• Purchase your footwear in the evening when the size of the foot is slightly large.• Footwear should be bought in the form ofsandals. In the case of shoes, select ones that have a wide toe box with extra depth and laces, shoes should be breathable and should fit well and protect your feet. People going to the temple should use socks.• Inspect the insides of the shoes daily for foreign objects, nails, torn linings and rough areas.• It is better to consult a foot care specialist before purchasing new footwear..Don'ts• Do not walk barefoot• Do not smoke or consume alcohol.• Do not soak your feet in hot/cold water or apply any hot fomentation/coldcompresses or electric heating pads to your feet. This can be dangerous to your feet• Do not apply strong irritant ointments to your leg and feet.• Do not remove your footwear while travelling or place your feet on any hot surfaces which may harm your feet.• Do not apply anything between the toes.• Do not cut your nails close to the skin or in shape that may result in trauma as well as ingrown toenails.• Do not use commercially available corn/callus caps or any chemical agents for removing cornor calluses. Consult your foot care specialist and avoid self-treatment.Do not use footwear with toe grips which can result in deformity of the toes.• Do not sit cross-legged for a long time.• Do not walk with an ulcerated foot orafter surgery• Do not neglect insect and rodent bites. You are more susceptible to ant bitesif you apply coconut oil tothe legs and feet. Hence, it is advisable to wear socks while sleeping.

Prevention is better than cure

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