Diabetic Foot Care at Home
Until we see you again…
During these uncertain times, we would like you to know that the physicians at FASMA are still providing care while taking extra precautions to protect our staff and patients against the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). In order to do so, the CDC recommends that physicians and patients utilize telemedicine whenever possible to avoid spread and possible exposure in those instances where you can be remotely monitored. These visits are initiated by a patient contacting the office and requesting the appointment, just as you would request an appointment in person.
Diabetes can be dangerous to your feet. To avoid serious foot problems that could result in an infection or more serious issue, here are some steps to follow while sheltering at home and avoiding non-emergent or routine visits:
- Inspect your feet daily. If unable to visualize the bottom of your feet, use a magnifying hand mirror or the assistance of a family member or friend. Look for any cuts, blisters, bleeding, redness, swelling, or nail problems.
- Wash your feet daily in lukewarm (never hot) water and soap.
- Dry your feet well especially between the toes.
- Apply moisturizing lotion or cream daily but not between the toes.
- If you must cut your nails, cut them straight across and file the edges. Do not cut them too short.
- Never treat corns and calluses yourself. Do not use medicated pads or perform “bathroom surgery”.
- Wear clean, dry socks and change daily.
- Shake out your shoes and feel the inside before wearing to ensure nothing has fallen into the shoes such as a pebble.
- Keep your feet warm and dry. Do not use a heating pad or hot water bottle.
- Never walk barefoot.
- Take care of your diabetes and keep blood sugars under control and no smoking.
- Get periodic foot exams.
Sometimes emergencies or problems arise that you cannot care for alone which necessitate the need for further evaluation by the professionals. The physicians at FASMA are happy to share that we can still see patients for emergent issues but also offer telehealth visits if you are unable to get to the office. Contact your local foot and ankle specialist at FASMA and request a telemedicine visit.
Signs and symptoms of diabetic foot problems that may necessitate further treatment possibly requiring an in-person appointment include persistent pain, redness, swelling, localized warmth, or new break in the skin. Also, other symptoms to be aware of that would be even more urgent would be drainage of pus from a wound, fevers or chills, or red streaking away from the wound.
Stay safe, wash your hands, and stay home to protect yourself and others from the possible spread of this new virus and this quickly changing environment.
The information on this site is provided for your assistance only; this site does not provide podiatric advice. You should never diagnose or treat yourself for a podiatric condition based on the information provided herein, and the information is not provided for that purpose. Likewise, you should never determine that treatment is unnecessary based on this information. The information contained herein is not a substitute for podiatric care provided by a licensed podiatric professional. The information provided herein is not podiatric, medical or professional advice. This site does not create a doctor-patient relationship.
Dr. Elizabeth Daughtry and Foot & Ankle Specialists of the Mid-Atlantic, LLC expressly disclaims all warranties of any kind, whether express or implied, related to any products offered for sale on this web site. Dr. Elizabeth Daughtry and Foot & Ankle Specialists of the Mid-Atlantic, LLC further expressly disclaims any product warranties of effectiveness or fitness for any particular purpose or use. You are solely responsible for your use of, or reliance on, any products offered for sale herein, and any consequences arising out of such use or reliance. In no event will Dr. Elizabeth Daughtry and Foot & Ankle Specialists of the Mid-Atlantic, LLC be liable for any damages resulting from use of or reliance on any such products, whether based on warranty, contract, tort or any other legal theory.
This website, and the information contained herein, is provided to you as a service for use at your sole risk.
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