Every four years, the FIFA World Cup grants the highest goal scorer the coveted “Golden Boot” award. Last World Cup, England’s Harry Kane took home the prize with 6 goals. But that was nowhere near Frenchman Just Fontaine’s record 13 goals from the 1958 World Cup.
The World Cup’s again in full swing this month. Even if you haven’t caught “football fever,” you can win your own “Golden Boot” by taking good care of your feet, if you have diabetes.
Seven Diabetes Foot Care Tips to Win the Golden Boot
- Inspect your feet every day. Look for cuts, blisters, sores, swelling, redness, corns, calluses, or changes to the skin or nails. If you can’t see the bottom of your feet, ask a family member for help.
- Wash your feet every day, but don’t soak them. Use warm (not hot) soapy water, then dry your feet well. You can apply lotion to the tops and bottoms of your feet, but don’t put any between your toes as it could lead to infection.
- Don’t walk barefoot. When going outside, and even while at home, wear socks and shoes or slippers to protect your feet and keep them clean and dry.
- Wear well-fitting shoes. When shopping for new shoes, go toward the end of the day when your feet are the largest rather than in the morning. If you can’t find comfortable shoes in the store, ask your doctor about therapeutic shoes or inserts.
- Keep your toenails trimmed. Long or sharp-edged nails can cause sores on adjacent toes. If you can’t see or reach your toenails, have a foot doctor or family member trim them.
- Keep the circulation going. Foot-friendly exercises like walking, swimming, or bike riding are important to stimulating blood flow in your legs and feet. But avoid certain exercises, like walking, when you have open sores on your feet.
- Get your feet checked regularly. Visit your foot doctor (podiatrist) at least once a year for a full exam. And have your regular doctor check your feet at each visit.
For more information on foot care, such as what symptoms would prompt a visit to the doctor’s office, visit the CDC’s webpage on foot care for people with diabetes.
