Foot Care Guidelines

Many diseases that are common in older people, such as diabetes mellitus, can increase the risk of serious foot problems by damaging blood vessels and nerves. Good foot care is a critical part of decreasing the risk of serious problems.

• The feet should be washed daily with mild soap and warm (not hot or cold) water. All soap should be rinsed off. A soft towel can be used to dry the feet thoroughly, especially between the toes.
• Toenails should be trimmed straight across and not too short. Toenails that have sharp edges may cut into the adjacent toes. People with diabetes, or other diseases that damage blood vessels and nerves should have a podiatrist cut their toenails.
• Shoes should be comfortable and need to have wide toe boxes. Shoes should be worn daily—people should never go barefoot.
• Clean socks or stockings should be worn daily. Appropriate fit is necessary (that is, not too short, not too tight).
• If the feet are cold, thick warm socks should be worn. Heating pads and hot water bottles should be avoided.
• Daily inspection of the feet for cracks, cuts, sores, corns and calluses, and color changes is recommended. People who cannot see the bottom of their feet need another person to do that part of the inspection or must use a mirror so that the bottom of each foot can be seen.
• Lanolin should be gently massaged into dry scaly areas of the feet.
• Corns or calluses should be treated by a podiatrist—people should not attempt to treat themselves by cutting or shaving corns or calluses, nor should they apply nonprescription drugs (for example, wart removers), which can burn the skin.