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Diabetic foot care guide

Foot & ankle · Diabetic foot

This sheet is about checking, not exercising. Two minutes a day prevents most serious foot problems.

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Check both feet every day

Check both feet every day

Look at the top, the sides and the SOLE of both feet. Use a mirror or ask someone to look for you.

  • Every day
  • Takes 2 minutes

Should feel: Skin that is clean and unbroken Should not feel: Any cut, blister or colour change

Shake out your shoes

Shake out your shoes

Feel inside both shoes with your hand before you put them on, every single time.

  • Every time
  • Before wearing

Should feel: An empty, smooth shoe Should not feel: A stone, a nail, a rough seam

Test water with your elbow

Test water with your elbow

Never test bath water with your foot. Use your elbow.

  • Every bath

Should feel: Comfortably warm Should not feel: Never use hot water bottles or heaters

Wear footwear indoors

Wear footwear indoors

Keep a pair of chappals by the bed. Never walk barefoot, even at home.

  • Always

Should feel: Protected feet Should not feel: Bare feet on any floor

Come the same day if

  • ANY break in the skin, blister or crack — come the same day, even if it does not hurt
  • A hot or swollen foot, even without pain
  • Redness, discharge or a black area
  • A sudden change in the shape of the foot

Ready when you are.

Call either clinic during consulting hours, or send a WhatsApp message any time.