The NDSS is
administered by

NDSS Helpline
1800 637 700

NDSS Helpline

1800 637 700

Daily Footcare

Make foot care part of your everyday routine.

Because things can get worse quickly, you should check your feet every day. The good news is that most issues can be prevented if you catch them early enough.

Make it a daily habit

Daily checks of your feet are important to catch any changes in the look and feel of your feet.

  • Checking your feet at the same time every day is a great habit to get into.
  • Maybe when you get in or out of bed? Or when you put your socks on or take them off?
  • Find a time that works for you and stick to it.
  • If you have trouble reaching your feet, use a mirror or ask a family member or carer to help

What to watch out for

  • Injury: ulcer, cuts, bruises, new callus (hard skin)
    Changes in feeling: new sensations – numbness, tingling or pain
  • Temperature: notice there are new temperature changes – hot or cold
  • Follow advice on toenail care and seek assistance with corns or calluses.
  • Corns and callus are areas of hard skin that build-up due to abnormal pressures occurring in the foot.
  • If you have loss of sensation or blood flow they can cause ulcers. A foot specialist (podiatrist or similar) can help you manage.

Wash, dry, moisturise

Our skin protects us against infection, keeping it clean and moisturised stops cracking.

Cracked skin can let in bacteria in. Stopping cracking reduces the risk of infection.

Check socks and shoes

  • Wear protective footwear that fits the shape of your foot
  • Wear clean socks to protect from rubbing and wick away sweat

Get help:

See your healthcare team if you notice any changes or injuries like the following:

Immediately

  • Ulcers or wounds that won’t heal
  • Swelling, heat, or changes in skin colour – signs of infection
  • Pus or a bad smell coming from a wound
  • Bruising
  • Blisters or cuts
  • Infected ingrown nails
  • Pain

Within 7 days

  • Broken skin between toes
  • Callus (hard skin)
  • Changes to foot shape
  • Changes to nail colour
  • Painful toenails
  • Corns
  • Cracked skin

More resources to support your journey to healthy feet

Are you putting your best foot forward? Check your risk level today.

Foot health check takes approx 2 mins