Diabetes foot care - continued..

Another important thing is your shoes. They can easily damage your skin and predispose you to infections.

• Don't wear shoes without socks.
• Don't wear sandals or other open-toed shoes.
• Avoid high-heeled shoes and shoes with pointed toes.
• Wear well-padded socks or stockings that are 1/2 inch longer than your longest toe. Don't wear stretch socks, nylon socks, socks with an elastic band or garter at the top, or socks with inside seams.
• Don't wear uncomfortable or tight shoes that rub or cut into your feet. If you've had problems before because of shoes that didn't fit, you may want to be fitted for a custom-molded shoe.
• Talk to your doctor before you buy special shoes or inserts.
• Shop for new shoes at the end of the day when your feet are a little swollen. If shoes are comfortable when your feet are swollen, they'll probably be comfortable all day.
• Break in new shoes slowly by wearing them for no more than an hour a day for several days.
• Change socks and shoes every day. Have at least 2 pairs of shoes so you can switch pairs every other day.
• Look inside your shoes every day for things like gravel or torn linings. These things could rub against your feet and cause blisters or sores.