If you have had surgery, change your dressings every 12 hours. This helps prevent infection. Regular wound care helps keep your foot free of infection and aids healing:

• Wash your hands.

• Put on disposable gloves if your foot is infected.

• Gently remove the old dressing and discard it in a plastic bag.

• Take off the gloves.

• Wash your hands again.

• Put on new gloves.

• Clean and dress the wound as directed by your healthcare provider.

• Put any used items or trash in a plastic bag before placing in a trash can.

• Put sharp objects in a puncture-proof container (sharps box).

Here is what you can do:

• With a mirror, look at the bottom of your feet every day. This helps you to catch small skin changes before they get infected. Or before they turn into bigger problems such as pressure sores.

• Call your healthcare provider right away if you find any problems. These include hot spots, red streaks, swelling, cracks, sores, injuries, or foreign objects embedded in your foot.

• Before putting on shoes, check the soles and insides. Check for pebbles or splinters. Remove any you find. They could break the skin or put added pressure on your feet.

Suggestions include: 

• Wash your feet every day. Use water that is not hot (lukewarm) and mild soap. Wash between your toes.

• Use a soft towel to dry your feet well. This is very important between your toes. Pat feet gently. Don't rub.

• Use a cream or lanolin lotion to keep the skin smooth. This is very important for your heels. If skin is cracked, talk with your healthcare provider. Ask how to treat it. Don't put lotion between your toes. This can lead to fungal infections. 

• Dust your feet with non-medicated powder before putting on shoes, socks, or stockings. This will help keep them dry.

• Before putting on your shoes, check your socks. Make sure they are not bunched up. Also make sure they don't have folds or creases in them. Even little bumps from bunched socks can cause a serious foot wound. Think about wearing socks without seams.

• Talk with your provider before treating calluses, corns, or bunions.

• To prevent ingrown toenails, cut toenails straight across. Try soaking your toenails in warm water to soften them before cutting.

• Try to keep your feet from getting too hot or too cold.

• Don't go barefoot.

• Stay away from rough surfaces. Or surfaces with sharp objects.

• Don't wear shoes that are too tight or uncomfortable.

• Don't test bath water temperature with your feet if you have less feeling.

• Never go barefoot, even in your house.
• Set a time every day to check your feet for sores or pressure areas. Use a mirror to check the bottoms of your feet.

• Follow your provider’s instructions about walking and other activity. There may be some restrictions depending on the condition of your feet. You may need special shoes or inserts. These help take the pressure off the ulcers. 

• Take all medicines exactly as directed.

Your healthcare provider may refer you to a special wound-care center for treatment.

Call your healthcare provider if you have any of the following:

• Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as directed by your healthcare provider 

• Redness, swelling, or pain in the foot that doesn't go away

• Numbness or tingling in any part of your foot

• Chills, light-headedness, or fainting

• Bad smell from wounds or swollen areas