K.N.O.W. Home Health - DIABETES FOOT CARE

DIABETES FOOT CARE

Why Is Foot Care Important for People With Diabetes?

Diabetes, whether it is type 1 or type 2, can cause problems in your feet. High blood sugar can damage the nerves (called neuropathy) and blood vessels in your legs and feet. This can make it hard to feel pain or notice injuries. Cuts and blisters can become infected and heal slowly. If not cared for, this could lead to serious problems, including losing a toe, foot, or leg.

What You Should Do Every Day

✅ Look at your feet every day.
Check for cuts, blisters, swelling, redness, or anything that doesn’t look normal. Use a mirror or ask someone to help if you can’t see well.

✅ Wash your feet every day.
Use warm water (not hot) and mild soap. Dry them well, especially between the toes.

✅ Keep your skin soft.
Use lotion on the tops and bottoms of your feet if they are dry. Do not put lotion between your toes — that can cause an infection.

✅ Trim your toenails carefully.
Cut them straight across and file the edges. If you can’t see or reach your toes, ask a nurse or podiatrist to help.

✅ Wear socks and shoes all the time.
Don’t walk barefoot, not even inside. Wear shoes that fit well and don’t rub or pinch. Choose socks that are clean and dry.

✅ Protect your feet from heat and cold.
Don’t use hot water bottles or heating pads. Test bath water with your hand, not your foot.

What You Should NOT Do

🚫 Don’t walk barefoot — even in your home.
🚫 Don’t soak your feet for a long time.
🚫 Don’t cut corns or calluses yourself.
🚫 Don’t use over-the-counter foot treatments without asking your doctor or nurse first.
🚫 Don’t use heating pads or hot water directly on your feet.

When to Call Your Home Health Nurse or Doctor

📞 Call your home health nurse or doctor if you notice:

A blister, sore, or cut that doesn’t heal
Swelling, redness, or pain in your foot
Toenails that hurt or look infected
Skin between the toes that is white, moist, or smells bad

🚨 Go to the emergency room or call 911 if:

Your foot turns black or blue
You have a very deep wound
You see signs of a serious infection like fever or red streaks

Other Important Tips

Control your blood sugar to help your feet stay healthy.
Don’t smoke — it makes it harder for blood to flow to your feet.
Get your feet checked by your doctor at least once a year.

✅ PATIENT HOMEWORK/ASSESSMENT

True or False Statements. Please correct all False statements

True or False: Diabetes can cause nerve damage in your feet.
True or False: It’s sfe t walk barefoot at home if you have diabetes.
True or False: You should check your feet every day.
True or False: You can soak your feet in hot water every night.
True or False: You should dry between your toes after washing your feet.
True or False: You can use lotion between your toes to keep them soft.
True or False: Wearing tight shoes helps prevent injuries.
True or False: You should wear shoes and socks at all times.
True or False: You should trim your toenails straight across.
True or False: You should cut off your own corns or calluses.
True or False: Cuts and sores can heal slowly in people with diabetes.
True or False: You should use your foot to test bath water temperature.
True or False: You should report foot pain or swelling to your nurse or doctor.
True or False: Controlling blood sugar helps protect your feet.
True or False: Smoking helps blood flow and is good for your feet.
True or False: You should get your feet checked by a doctor once a year.
True or False: A foot that turns blue or black needs emergency care.
True or False: Clean, dry socks should be worn daily.
True or False: Using over-the-counter foot medicine is always safe.
True or False: Putting lotion on dry heels is okay for people with diabetes.

ASSESSMENT of WELL-BEING INDIVIDUALIZED PATIENT HOMEWORK

Symptom Identification:

Have you noticed any cuts, sores, redness, swelling, or changes in the skin or nails on your feet?

Activity Impact/SAFETY:

Do you avoid walking barefoot or wearing shoes that might rub or injure your feet to prevent wounds or infections?

Treatment Adherence:

Are you inspecting your feet daily and following your healthcare provider’s recommendations for cleaning, moisturizing, and nail care?

Preventive Measures:

Are you scheduling regular foot exams with your healthcare provider and taking steps to prevent injuries, such as wearing proper footwear and keeping your feet dry?

🧠 Answer Key with Explanations

✅ True – High blood sugar can damage nerves in the feet.
❌ False – Walking barefoot increases the risk of cuts or injury.
✅ True – Daily checks help catch problems early.
❌ False – Soaking feet in hot water can cause burns or dry skin.
✅ True – Moisture between toes can cause fungus or infection.
❌ False – Never put lotion between toes; it can trap moisture and cause infection.
❌ False – Tight shoes can cause blisters or sores.
✅ True – Wearing socks and shoes protects your feet.
✅ True – This prevents ingrown toenails and injury.
❌ False – Never cut corns or calluses; ask a doctor or foot specialist.
✅ True – Poor circulation can slow healing in diabetes.
❌ False – Use your hands to test water; you may not feel heat with your feet.
✅ True – Pain or swelling may be a sign of infection or injury.
✅ True – Keeping blood sugar under control helps prevent foot problems.
❌ False – Smoking reduces blood flow and is harmful.
✅ True – Yearly foot exams help catch problems early.
✅ True – Black or blue feet may be a sign of serious circulation problems.
✅ True – Clean socks help prevent infection.
❌ False – Always ask your doctor before using foot products.
✅ True – Lotion can help dry heels, but don’t use it between toes.