What to Tell the Doctor
- Call the doctor if you notice any of the following foot problems:
- new areas of redness
- areas of darkening on the skin
- swelling
- cuts
- scratches
- blisters
- soft areas of the skin and over the heels
- If you care for a person with diabetes mellitus, a history of a foot ulcer, loss of feeling in the feet, bony deformities of the feet, or thick or ingrown toe nails, always have their doctor look at their feet during each visit.
- Have the person take off their shoes and socks at every doctor’s visit.
- Have a podiatrist or physician test a diabetic person’s feet at least once a year for loss of feeling.
- Tell the doctor if you have noticed the person walking differently or complaining of pain, numbness or tingling of the feet.
- Tell the doctor if the person regularly sees a podiatrist for foot care. If you need the name of a podiatrist for the person you care for, your doctor can refer you to someone that is in your area.