Financial District Foot & Ankle Center, San Francisco, California

	Did you know that the feet often provide the first sign of more serious health issues, such as diabetes? That’s why it’s important to have your primary care physician or family doctor to check your feet every time you go in for a checkup. After all, foot and ankle health is important to your overall well-being, mobility, and pursuit of fitness. People with diabetes need to pay special attention to their feet and watch carefully for any signs of complications. Here’s a checklist of things you should do and things you should never do if you or a family member has diabetes.

	You should always: Inspect feet daily for cuts, blisters, scratches, redness and swelling Remember to inform every doctor you visit that you have diabetes Wash feet daily; always dry carefully between the toes Powder feet, lightly after bathing Cut toenails straight across Keep feet warm and dry Use a good skin lotion to protect your feet from cracking and drying, but not between toes Wear loose-fitting socks to bed if feet are cold; never use heating pads or hot water bottles Wear comfortable, well-fitting shoes Inspect the inside of shoes for foreign objects and torn lining each time you put them on

	You should never: Walk barefoot, even indoors Smoke. Smoking reduces blood circulation; this can lead to the loss of a leg Cut corns or calluses yourself Use caustic chemical agents or any other irritants for the removal of corns and calluses Wear open-toed shoes, particularly sandals with thongs between toes

	Family members can play an important role in ensuring that their loved ones keep their feet fit for life. If someone in your family has diabetes, share this checklist with them and remind them to visit their podiatrist. Education and awareness are helpful allies in the prevention of diabetes and its complications.

	Diabetic Ulcers A diabetic ulcer is a breakdown of the skin on an area of the foot. An ulcer can develop quickly and may be painful and difficult to heal. Infection is a common complication. It is important to have an x-ray to determine whether there is any bone involvement when an ulcer is present.

	Causes of Diabetic Ulcers: Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus Vascular insufficiency Lack of sensation Ill-fitting shoes Trauma Heredity

	If an Ulcer develops: Consult a podiatric physician immediately Alert the doctor’s office that you are a diabetic with a foot sore Self-treatment is not recommended for this serious condition


	Financial District Foot & Ankle Center Doctors have been trained specifically and extensively in the diagnosis and treatment of all manners of foot conditions. This training encompasses all of the intricately related systems and structures of the foot and lower leg including neurological, circulatory, skin, and the musculoskeletal system, which includes bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and nerves.

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