It is very important to take good care of your feet if you have diabetes. Without proper care your feet can easily develop problems such as calluses or sores that won't heal and could lead to amputations.

The Chickasaw Nation Division of Health has reduced amputations to one of the lowest levels of any Indian Health Facility. This has been possible with the services of an extensively trained physician, certified podiatrist/RN and RN wound care specialist.

Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

The Five C's of Foot Care

Clean:  Wash your feet everyday and dry them carefully, especially between the toes. Be sure to check the temperature of your bath water with your elbow before you step into the bath so you do not burn your feet.

Condition:  Dry skin cracks easily and this can allow infections to start so it is important to keep your feet conditioned with a good lotion. Be sure to apply lotion around the toenails and over calluses. DO NOT CONDITION BETWEEN YOUR TOES!!!

Care:  Look at your feet everyday. If you cannot see your feet well, use a mirror or ask someone else to check them for you.

Toenails should be cut to follow the shape of your toe. The nails should extend just to the end of the toes. Toenails are softer and easier to cut after a bath.

Look for calluses. As calluses become thick and hard, they become like rocks in your shoes. Large calluses should be removed by your physician or in the foot clinic. Small calluses can be removed by using a pumice stone; this is usually easier to do after your bath.

Look for blisters. These are usually caused by shoes that don't fit. Place a bandage over the blister to protect it. Do not cut off the top of the blister.

Cover:  Always wear shoes when indoors or outdoors. Walking barefoot or with open-toed sandals can lead to cuts and bruises. Always wear clean cotton or wool socks everyday. Check for stains, wet areas or holes.

Call the foot clinic (580) 421-4527 immediately if you have a foot problem, like a large cut or if a cut becomes red, swollen or smelly.

Tips for buying new shoes
(Information taken from pamphlets from the Indian Health Service National Diabetes Program) 

• Buy shoes in the afternoon. Most people's feet swell by the afternoon.
• Tell the salesperson that you have diabetes.
• Have the shoe salesperson measure BOTH feet.
• Test the shoe fit by wearing them for at least 5 minutes in the store.
• If shoes hurt when you try them on, DO NOT buy them.
• Break in new shoes by wearing them for 1-2 hours at a time for the first few days.
• NEVER wear new shoes all day.
• Check your feet for redness and irritation. If the shoes are causing redness or irritation, return them as soon as possible.

Types of shoes

• Look for shoes made of canvas or leather. Read the label inside of the shoe to see if it says 'leather upper.'
• Plastic or rubber shoes should be avoided.
• Shoes with laces or straps are better so they can be adjusted as necessary.
• Loafers and slip-ons are less desirable because they cannot be adjusted.
• Check the inside of the shoes for a smooth lining (leather if possible).
• Avoid shoes that have a rough seam.
• Shoes with a round toe box are preferable as they allow room for all 5 toes.
• Shoes with a pointed toe box are to be avoided as they may cause injury to your toes or foot.
• Shoes with a low heel are better for your feet (preferably no higher than 1¼ inch.
• Shoes with a high heel may cause injury.
• The heel part of the shoe should be firm.
• A soft insole that can be removed is best.
• Boots with the rounded or square toe may be okay (i.e. Ropers).
• Moccasins should be worn only for short periods of time (or get the ones with a rubber sole).

Reminders

• Check your feet everyday
• NEVER go barefoot
• Check the insides of your shoes everyday for cracks, tears, rocks, nails or sand
• Check the heels and soles of your shoes for signs of wear
• Replace or repair your shoes if they are worn out
• Break in new shoes slowly
• Ask your health care provider to help you decide if your shoes are worn or damaged
• Never wear wet or damp shoes (good idea to wear water shoes in lake or pool but change shoes when you come out of the water)
• If you wash your shoes, treat them like new shoes since they may shrink or change shape when you wash them
• Wear clean cotton or wool socks
• Do not wear socks that are too tight around the top
• Do not wear socks with holes or that have been mended as they may cause sores