Foot Care for the patient with Neuropathy

The foot is often the place problems start for people with neuropathy. People with neuropathy who get corns, calluses and bunions have an increased risk for getting foot ulcers (very serious, deep sores). Infection in these ulcers can lead to hospitalization and even the amputation of a foot.

How should I care for my feet to avoid foot problems?

 Look at your feet daily. Call us at the very first sign of redness, swelling, infection, prolonged pain, numbness or tingling in any part of a foot.
 Wash your feet every day in lukewarm water (check the water temperature with your hand or elbow first) and mild soap; use only a washcloth or a very soft brush.
 Dry your feet well, especially between the toes. Use a soft towel and blot gently; don’t rub.
 Keep the skin of your feet smooth by applying a moisturizing cream or lanolin lotion, especially on the heels.
 If your feet sweat easily, keep them dry by dusting them with non-medicated powder before putting on shoes and stockings.
 Wear well-padded socks or stockings that are not wrinkled and that are ½ an inch longer than your longest toe. Don’t wear stretch socks, nylon socks or socks with an elastic band or garter at the top. Don’t wear socks with inside seams.
 When you buy new shoes, choose shoes made of soft leather. They should not fit tightly anywhere. If you’ve had foot problems because of shoes that didn’t fit well, you may want to be fitted for a custom-molded shoe with a high toe box. To get the best fit, try on shoes at the end of the day, when your feet are a little swollen.
 Break in new shoes slowly and carefully. Have at least two pair of shoes so you can wear each pair every other day.
 Look inside your shoes every day for things like gravel or torn linings. These things could damage your foot.
 Loosen your blanket at the foot of the bed so it won’t press on your toes or heels, or on the bony spots on your feet.
 Keep your feet warm and avoid being outside when it’s very hot or very cold.
 Have us look at your feet at least once a year or whenever you notice anything that seems wrong.

What things should I avoid in caring for my feet?
 Don’t use any instruments on your feet (except nail clippers) without letting us know.
 Don’t cut calluses or corns, or use medicine to remove them.
 Don’t use hot water, a heating pad, or a massaging machine on your feet.
 Don’t place your feet against hot surfaces.
 Don’t go barefooted.
 Don’t use adhesive tape or chemicals on the skin of your feet.
 Don’t put inserts or pads in your shoes without your doctor’s advice.
 Don’t walk in wet shoes.
 Don’t expose your feet to cold weather.
 Don’t wear sandals or shoes with cut-outs in the leather.
 Don’t wear shoes that are uncomfortable or that rub, cause a blister or cut into your feet.
 Don’t wear your shoes without socks.
 Don’t use any tobacco products - they restrict blood flow to your feet.