Foot health – Low risk

Patient Information Leaflet

What is foot health risk?

This is a measurement of the likelihood that you may develop a serious problem with your feet, such as an ulcer.

To assess this your feet will need to be checked:

• For any hard skin
• For any deformities which might cause extra pressure
• That the circulation to your feet is working adequately
• That the feeling in your feet is not reduced
• For any wounds or signs of infection

Changes can be very gradual, and you may not notice them.

Your foot screening has shown that you do not have nerve or blood vessel damage at present and so you are currently at low risk of developing foot complications

What treatment will I receive?

As your feet are in good condition, you will not need regular podiatry treatment.

If you follow the simple advice in this leaflet, you should be able to carry out your own foot care unless you develop a specific problem.

If you smoke, you are strongly advised to stop. Smoking affects your circulation and can lead to amputation.

If you have diabetes, your GP should arrange for you to have a foot check at least once a year and you may be advised on how to look after your own feet or where you can go to get private treatment if you are not able to look after your own feet.

If you have a specific problem such as pain when you walk or an ingrowing toenail, you may be offered a short course of treatment to deal with the problem and then be advised on how to look after your feet.

Advice on keeping your feet healthy

Check your feet every day

You should check your feet every day for any blisters, breaks in the skin, pain or any signs of infection such as swelling, heat or redness.

Wash your feet every day

You should wash your feet every day in warm water and with a mild soap. Rinse them thoroughly and dry them carefully, especially between the toes.

Do not soak your feet as this can damage your skin.

Moisturise your feet every day

If your skin is dry, apply a moisturising cream every day, avoiding the areas between your toes.

Toenails

Cut or file your toenails regularly, following the curve of the end of your toe.

Use a nail file to make sure that there are no sharp edges which could press into the next toe.

Do not cut down the sides of your nails as you may create a ’spike’ of nail which could result in an ingrowing toenail.

Socks, stockings and tights

You should change your socks, stockings or tights every day. They should not have bulky seams and the tops should not be elasticated.

Avoid walking barefoot

If you walk barefoot, you risk injuring your feet by stubbing your toes and standing on sharp objects which can damage the skin

Check your shoes

Check the bottom of your shoes before putting them on to make sure that nothing sharp such as a pin, nail or glass has pierced the outer sole. Also, run your hand inside each shoe to check that no small objects such as small stones have fallen in.

Badly fitting shoes

Badly fitting shoes are a common cause of irritation or damage to feet. The professional who screened your feet may give you advice about the shoes you are wearing and about buying new shoes.

Minor cuts and blisters

If you check your feet and discover any breaks in the skin, minor cuts or blisters, you should cover them with a sterile dressing and check them every day. Do not burst blisters.

If the problems do not heal within a few days, or if you notice any signs of infection (swelling, heat, redness or pain), contact your Podiatry Department or GP.

Over-the-counter corn remedies

Do not use over-the-counter corn remedies. They are not recommended for anyone with diabetes as they can cause damage to the skin that can create problems

Spotting a foot attack

• Is your foot red, warm or swollen?
• Is there a break in the skin or any discharge (or oozing) on to your socks or stockings?
• Do you feel unwell?

You may not have pain even with a visible wound.

Contact your GP, podiatrist or nurse immediately (or a member of the Foot Protection Service). If they are unavailable, go to your nearest out of hours healthcare service or your A&E department.

If you have any questions, or if there is anything you do not understand, please contact the Russells Hall Hospital switchboard number on 01384 456111 and ask for the relevant department who issued this leaflet.

If you have any feedback on this patient information leaflet please email dgft.patient.information@nhs.net

This leaflet can be made available in large print, audio version and in other languages, please call 0800 073 0510.

Originator: Hannah Dodd. Date originated: Sep 2024 .Review date June 2027  Version: 1. DGH ref.: DGH/PIL/02215