Patient was instructed on strategies to reduce the chances of developing foot problems are as follows-
- Choose socks and shoes carefully
- Always wear cotton socks that fit loosely.
- Change the socks every day.
- Select shoes that are snug but not too tight and constricting on the foot, compromising the blood supply to the toes.
- Whenever you get new shoes, try breaking in slowly to prevent any blisters.
- Ask for foot exams
- Screening for foot complications should be a routine part of your doctor visits.
- Don’t hesitate to ask the healthcare provider for a foot check periodically, and even more frequently if there are foot changes.
- Check the entire surface of both feet every day for compromise of skin integrity, skin breaks, open blisters or sores, any redness, including between and underneath the toes. Use a mirror if it is difficult to see the surface of the foot. Seek caregiver assistance, as needed.
- Sometimes, secondary to arthritis or some related conditions, patients might have misshapen feet. These patients can ask for customized shoes that can reduce the chances of developing foot ulcers in the future. While inserting the feet into the shoes, shoe inserts can help cushion the step and decrease pressure on the soles of the feet.
