foot
Instructed patient to wash feet daily and dry them carefully, especially between toes.
Instructed patient to check feet by looking between toes use a mirror if necessary or have a friend or relative to check them daily. Look for blisters, redness, cuts, breaks, and scratches and report immediately if any of these occur.
Instructed patient to check feet's temperature. If they feel cold or hot, something could be wrong.
Instructed patient to avoid soaking feet into hot water (Test water before use).
Instructed patient about the importance of proper foot care. This includes wearing properly fitting shoes and socks, correct trimming of toenails, and avoidance of injuries on the legs and/or feet.
Patient was instructed how to reduce friction and shear. Use draw sheet for repositioning, encourage use of trapeze if possible, keep head of bed elevated (if tolerated), elevate foot of bed slightly (if condition permits), use pillow or wedge to support hip (side lying, lateral position), utilize lifts and transfer devices.
Patient was instructed about to tell the doctor about any changes in sensation in the toes, feet, or legs. Speak up if note pain, tingling, a pins-and-needles feeling, numbness, or any other unusual signs - even if it seems trivial to the patient. Further teaching is needed.
Patient was instructed about the skin damage: the skin may be dry and cracked because of high glucose levels, and cracked skin means it's easier for bacteria to get under the skin and harder for infections to heal. Use a small amount of skin lotion daily, to be sure the feet feel dry - not damp or sticky - afterwards. Try not to get the lotion in between the toes. Keep the toenails trimmed and filed smooth to avoid ingrown toenails. Further teaching is needed.
If your big toe slants sharply in toward your other toes, with a big bump on the knuckle of your big toe, you've got a classic bunion. Corns are spots of thick, rough skin, where the tissue builds up on toes constantly barraged by too much rubbing or pressure. A buckled-under toe, called a hammertoe, can result from muscle weakness caused by diabetic nerve damage. All of these make it hard to fit shoes comfortably. But a good podiatrist can help you fix these problems and take better care of your feet.
Patient was instructed about how to check both feet daily looking over them carefully every day, and be sure check between all of the toes. Blisters and infections can start between the toes, and with diabetic neuropathy, may not feel them until they've become irritated or infected. If physical challenges occur, ask a family member to help. Further teaching is needed.