Treating Peripheral Neuropathy
Learn ways to protect your feet. Check your feet daily for wounds you may not have felt. Avoid burns by testing bath water with your elbow before stepping in. Also, to prevent injury, always wear shoes.
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| Your doctor can safely trim your nails during an office visit. |
Regular Foot Care
If you have foot numbness, you may not notice cutting yourself while trimming your nails. To prevent problems, your doctor may ask you to visit for nail and callus trimming. See your doctor for foot care as often as suggested.
Check Your Feet Daily
Catch problems early by checking your feet every day for changes. Look at the top and bottom of your feet, your heels, and between your toes. It may help to use a mirror. If this is hard, ask someone to check for you. Call your doctor if you notice a wound, ulceration, ingrown nail, or any changes in your feet. This includes increased heat, swelling, and redness.
Wear Proper Footwear
Always wear shoes and socks, even indoors. Ask your doctor how to choose the right shoe. After buying shoes, bring them to your doctor to be checked for fit. Take new shoes off every hour or so to check for red pressure areas on your feet. Each time you put on your shoes, use your fingers first to feel inside for foreign objects.
Publication Source:
Aring AM, American Family Physician 71(11), Evaluation and prevention of diabetic neuropathy, Jun 1, 2005, pp 2123-8
Publication Source:
Goetz, CG, Textbook of clinical neurology, 3rd ed., 2007, pp 825-6
Publication Source:
Pinzur MS, Slovenkai MP, Trepman E, Shields NN, Foot and Ankle International 26(1), Guidelines for diabetic foot care: recommendations endorsed by the Diabetes Committee of the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society., Jan 1, 2005, pp 113-9
Publication Source:
Wieman, TJ, American Journal of Surgery, 190(2), Principles of management: the diabetic foot., Aug 1, 2005, pp 295-9
Online Medical Reviewer:
Bhattacharyya, Tim MD
Date Last Reviewed:
10/21/2004
Date Last Modified:
6/16/2004