Patient Education

1. Check your feet.  Make sure to inspect your feet daily. Any signs of trauma such as redness or blisters, cuts, cracks, swelling or color changes should be reported to a foot specialist immediately. Using a mirror can help you see all areas on the bottoms of your feet.
2. Wear shoes that fit.  Be certain that your shoes fit with room to wiggle your toes. Look inside your shoes before putting them on, in case there are any foreign objects hiding in there, such as gravel, that could cause injury or irritation.
3. Wear clean socks.
4. Make sure your feet are clean.  Wash feet everyday and make sure that you dry them thoroughly. Inspect between your toes.
5. Nail Care.  Always cut nails straight across and then smooth the edges with an emery board. For ease in cutting toenails, trim them after bathing.
6. Prevent Cracking.  If your skin is dry, apply cream to feet and heels, but avoid the area between your toes. If cream sits in the crevices it can water-log the skin and make it more susceptible to infection.
7. Keep Circulation Flowing.  Try not to cross your legs when you sit down. Avoid sitting for excessive periods of time, this can limit circulation.
8. Keeping It Moderate.  Protect your feet from extremes in temperature. Excess heat can cause sweating and bacterial growth. Prolonged cold can decrease circulation and in extreme cases cause frostbite.
9. Exercise.  Ask your doctor about an exercise program that’s right for you. Regular exercise improves circulation to all your extremities.
10. Practice preventative care.  It’s so important to practice preventative care like the tips listed here, every day.

The doctors of North Platte Foot Clinic have experience performing reconstruction procedures including: arthroscopy, congenital or acquired deformity correction, sports injury related issues, total ankle joint replacement, fusions of the foot or ankle, as well as corrections due to arthritis.

https://www.foothealthfacts.org/

Diabetic Foot Care

Wound Care

Total Ankle