Performing a Foot Inspection at Home

One of the most important services we provide at Wilks Advanced Foot Care is care for diabetic patients. If you do not live with diabetes, it is entirely possible you do not know the importance of diabetic foot care. This particular disease affects the body in many ways, including putting feet at heightened risk for severe medical issues like Charcot foot and ulcerations (which can lead to gangrene). You need to take several measures for optimal foot health when you live with diabetes, including performing a foot inspection at home every day.

A daily foot inspection is invaluable for catching issues early, when they are at their most treatable stages (and before they become a major threat to your health and safety). There are other components of an effective diabetic foot care plan, but it is difficult to overstate the importance of this one!

When performing your daily foot check, use the following procedure:

• Get into position to check your feet. Sit in a chair or on the edge of your bed and put one foot up on the other leg’s knee. This will enable you to best see the foot you are inspecting.
• Dry your foot. Use a soft towel and gently pat your foot dry, including between the toes.
• Examine the bottom of the foot. If you cannot see the bottom of your foot (which is entirely likely), you will need to use a mirror or have a loved one help.
• Feel your foot. Gently run your hands over the entire foot, checking for any bumps or temperature changes in various areas on both the top and bottom.
• Look carefully at your feet. Visually sweep over your feet and take note of any abnormalities like sores, scrapes, bruises, corns, or scabs. Make sure your toenails are clear and not discolored.
• Examine your toes. Take time to spread your toes apart with your fingers and look between them.
• Inspect the other foot. After completing your first foot, switch and perform the same procedure with the other one.
• Record your foot self-exams. Write down anything you discover during your inspection and then give our office a call the next day if there is anything of concern.

As you inspect your feet, keep in mind you are looking for anything (texture, color, temperature, etc.) out of the ordinary. If you discover anything, it is important you contact us for an appointment. You can call Wilks Advanced Foot Care at (541) 673-0742, or schedule an appointment with our Roseburg, OR office online.