Management

Inspecting Your Feet (Diabetes)

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Step-by-Step

  1. Hands washing feet in water with cloth.

    Wash your feet with warm water and mild soap.

  2. Hands drying feet with towel.

    Gently pat your feet dry. Don’t rub.

  3. Both feet, with hand touching top of foot.

    Check the tops of your feet for problems.

  4. Hands spreading toes apart on one foot.

    Look for sores between your toes, like corns.

  5. Fingers beginning to touch the edges of each toenail on one foot.

    Check for ingrown toenails and cracked nails.

  6. Hands touching inner and outer edges of feet.

    Check the sides for things like calluses.

  7. Bottom of foot reflecting in handheld mirror.

    Use a mirror to look at hard-to-see areas.

  8. Bottom of foot, with hand touching heel of foot.

    Check your soles for blisters and sores.

  9. Piece of paper with writing and image of feet, with hand drawing circle on one foot.

    Write down any problems to tell your doctor.

Online Medical Reviewer: Lalitha Kadali

Online Medical Reviewer: Rita Sather RN

Online Medical Reviewer: Sara Mauldin FNP

Date Last Reviewed: 01/01/2025

© 2000-2026 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.

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