About P.A.D.: Foot Care and P.A.D.: Foot Care Plan

What can I do each day to take careof myfeet?

Set aside the same time each day to take care of your feet. Make foot care a part of your daily routine, just like brushing your teeth. Follow this foot care plan to prevent minor foot problems from becoming major ones. Post it on your bedroom or bathroom door to remind yourself to takecare of your feet.

Foot Care Plan

• Wash your feet each daywith warm, not hot, water and a mild soap or cleanser. Dry your feet gently and well. Be sure to dry between the toes.
• Keep the skin soft and smooth. If your skin is dry, apply a thin coat of cream or lotion that does not have alcohol over the tops and bottoms of your feet, but not between the toes.
• Trim your toenails straight across and file the edges. Rounded edges help prevent in grown toenails that can cause infections. If your nails are thick or hard to trim, go to a health care provider to trim your toenails. Ask your health care team to refer you to a foot care provider who takes care of people with diabetes or people with circulation problems in their feet or legs.
• Check your feet every day. Look at the tops, bottoms and sides of your feet as well as between your toes. Use a mirror or ask a family member or friend to help if you have trouble seeing the bottoms or sides of your feet. Use your hands to feel for hot or cold spots, bumps or dry skin.
  

  Check for:

  • sores, cuts, bruises or breaks in the skin
  • rashes
  • corns, calluses and blisters
  • red spots and swelling
  • ingrown toenails and toenail infections
  • pain
  • If you find any of these foot problems, call your health care provider right away. Do not try to take care of cuts, sores or infections yourself. Some over-the-counter foot care products can harm your skin, making problems worse.