Healthy Feet

Top Ten Toe Tips for Healthy Feet (Cont.)

7 - Always wear socks or stockings to avoid blisters. Do not wear socks or knee-high stockings that so tight below your knee that they cause visible depressions in the skin. Dont use garters. Dont wear socks with holes or those that have been darned, have thick seams, or are so large that they bunch up.







8 - Before putting your shoes on, check inside.Feel the insides to make sure they have no sharp edges or objects that might injure your feet. Inspect your shoes daily for foreign objects, torn lining, protruding nails, or bumps. Have them repaired if you find any of these.



9 - Do not smoke cigarettes.Yes, this relates to your feet. Nicotine can cause closure of the valves that permit blood to enter the small vessels that nourish the skin. The result? Neuropathy, or nerve damage.





10 Keep your doctor in the loop.Call your physician immediately if you experience any injury to your foot. Even a minor foot injury to be an emergency, so dont procrastinate. With some routine care and diligence, you can have healthy feet for a lifetime.









SOURCES:
1 - Bernstein, Dr. Richard. 1997. Dr. Bernsteins Diabetes Solution, Revised and Updated The Complete Guide to Achieving Normal Blood Sugars. New York: Little, Brown and Company.

2 National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse. Prevent diabetes problems: Keep your feet and skin healthy. (Accessed 03/09)