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Inspecting Your Feet (Diabetes)

Step-by-Step

Hands washing feet in water with cloth. — Wash your feet with warm water and mild soap.

Hands drying feet with towel. — Gently pat your feet dry. Don’t rub.

Both feet, with hand touching top of foot. — Check the tops of your feet for problems.

Hands spreading toes apart on one foot. — Look for sores between your toes, like corns.

Fingers beginning to touch the edges of each toenail on one foot. — Check for ingrown toenails and cracked nails.

Hands touching inner and outer edges of feet. — Check the sides for things like calluses.

Bottom of foot reflecting in hand-held mirror. — Use a mirror to look at hard-to-see areas.

Bottom of foot, with hand touching heel of foot. — Check your soles for blisters and sores.

Piece of paper with writing and image of feet, with hand drawing circle on one foot. — Write down any problems to tell your doctor.

Where can you learn more?

Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd

Enter B138 in the search box to learn more about "Inspecting Your Feet (Diabetes)".

Current as of: October 6, 2025

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Care instructions adapted under licence by your healthcare professional. If you have questions about a medical condition or this instruction, always ask your healthcare professional. Ignite Healthwise, LLC disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.

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Inspecting Your Feet (Diabetes)

Step-by-Step

Where can you learn more?