Neuropathy Foot Care Instructions

1.       Wash your feet every day with a mild soap and warm water.  Check the water temperature with your elbow.

2.       Use a soft wash cloth.

3.       Be gentle with your feet…DON’T SCRUB.

4.       Dry feet with a soft towel by blotting or patting; dry thoroughly between the toes.

5.       Inspect feet daily for redness, blister or cuts, change in temperature (cold), swelling, and/or loss of feeling.  If you cannot see to do this yourself, have someone else inspect your feet or use a mirror.

6.       Clean dirt out from under the toenails; never use a knife or anything sharp for this purpose.  An orange stick or a nail file should be used.

7.       Cut toenails straight across, using scissors.

8.       Never use a razor blade or pocketknife for trimming corns or toenails.

9.       Corns and calluses can be rubbed down with sandpaper or a fine emery board after they have been soaked.

10.   Never use corn remedies.  Corn pads should be used only on doctor’s advice.

11.   Do not use inserts or pads without medical advice.

12.   Use lotion on feet and legs daily (not between the toes) i.e. Bag-balm.

13.   Never walk barefooted. This includes getting up to go to the bathroom at night.  Never walk barefooted on hot surfaces, such as sandy beaches or around swimming pools.

14.   Always wear white socks.

15.   Protect your feet with warm cotton or woolen socks in cold weather.

16.   Wear shoes that fit properly with plenty of room for toes.

17.   Before putting on shoes, always check for foreign objects.

18.   Inspect your shoes daily for cracks in the soles, wrinkles in the lining, and bunching up of construction material.

19.   Avoid pointed or open-toed shoes.

20.   New shoes should always be broken in slowly.  Start by wearing them for 1 hour on the first day, increasing 1 hour each day.  Gradually build to full day.

21.   Leather or canvas shoes permit moisture to evaporate and also absorb perspiration better than shoes with synthetic uppers.  Allow time for footwear to air dry between wearings.

22.   Remove shoes whenever possible, such as during coffee breaks.

23.   Shoes should be purchased in the afternoon, when feet are the largest due to swelling.

24.   Change shoes every 5 hours.

25.   Walk slowly and take short steps as if you are walking on eggs.

26.   Takes frequent rest periods during the day and elevate your feet.

27.   If your feet are cold at night, wear loose-fitting socks to bed.

28.   Avoid very hot or very cold water.  Never use hot water bottles, heating pads, hot compresses, or heating lamps near your feet.

29.   Avoid elastic socks and socks that have holes, mends, seams or edges.

30.   Do not wear garters or girdles, and do not tie your stockings.

31.   Do not cross legs while sitting, to avoid nerve pressure injury.

32.   Loosen bed clothing at the bottom of the bed to reduce pressure on the toes.

33.  STOP SMOKING!

34.   Have regular foot evaluations by physicians.