Diabetic foot care patient handout

OVERALL_INSTRUCTIONS

Chief Complaint

Foot care and general health maintenance

Template

Dear [Patient’s Name], Thank you for coming to see me on [insert date of exam] where I evaluated you for [insert reason for visit]. Summary of Your Visit: During our appointment, we discussed: [insert concise summary of the visit] Based on our assessment, here is a summary of your personalized care plan: [insert a list of recommendations, medications, other relevant plans] In addition to the above, here are your Daily Foot Care Recommendations - A daily foot-care routine is essential to keep your feet healthy. 1. Check your feet every day - Look at the tops and bottoms of your feet. - If you can’t see the bottom, use a mirror or ask someone to help. - Look for scratches, cracks, cuts, blisters, sores, or any changes in color, temperature, or shape. 2. Wash your feet every day - Use mild soap and lukewarm water. - Test the water with your elbow to ensure it’s not too hot. - Do not soak your feet, as soaking can dry and crack the skin. - Dry your feet gently, especially between the toes. - Apply a moisturizing lotion daily to help prevent cracking—but avoid lotion between the toes. 3. Take care of your toenails - See a podiatrist regularly for toenail trimming and proper care. - Improper nail cutting can lead to cuts or ingrown nails. 4. Protect your feet - Never walk barefoot, even indoors. - Break in new shoes slowly: wear them for only 1–2 hours at first. - Always wear clean socks with your shoes; they should not be too tight and should have smooth seams. - Cotton or other natural materials are generally best for socks. 5. Keep your blood flowing well - If you smoke, try to quit—smoking decreases blood flow to your feet. - Keep your feet warm, but do not use heating pads or hot water bottles. - Avoid tight garters or stockings that constrict blood flow. Thank you for your attention to this important information. We are committed to helping you maintain healthy feet and avoid preventable complications.