Dismiss Modal

Management

Inspecting Your Feet (Diabetes)

Choose a preferred language


Step-by-Step

  1. Hands washing feet in water with cloth.

    Wash your feet with warm water and mild soap.

  2. Hands drying feet with towel.

    Gently pat your feet dry. Don’t rub.

  3. Both feet, with hand touching top of foot.

    Check the tops of your feet for problems.

  4. Hands spreading toes apart on one foot.

    Look for sores between your toes, like corns.

  5. Fingers beginning to touch the edges of each toenail on one foot.

    Check for ingrown toenails and cracked nails.

  6. Hands touching inner and outer edges of feet.

    Check the sides for things like calluses.

  7. Bottom of foot reflecting in handheld mirror.

    Use a mirror to look at hard-to-see areas.

  8. Bottom of foot, with hand touching heel of foot.

    Check your soles for blisters and sores.

  9. Piece of paper with writing and image of feet, with hand drawing circle on one foot.

    Write down any problems to tell your doctor.

© 2000-2026 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.

Find the right providers for your needs.

CalOptima Health works with thousands of Orange County providers, including doctors, specialists, health networks, medical groups and more.

Find a Doctor

See Member Health Rewards

CalOptima Health offers health rewards to eligible CalOptima Health members who take an active role in their well-being!

View available rewards
Related Articles
Read article
Diabetes
Diabetes: Shopping for and Making Meals

Having diabetes doesn’t mean you have to shop in a special aisle or look for special foods. But you'll need to make healthy food choices. Here's what you need to know.

Read article
Diabetes
Using an Injection Pen

Read on for helpful, step-by-step instructions on giving yourself medicine using an injection pen.

Read article
Diabetes
Diabetes with High Blood Sugar

If you have been high blood sugar (hyperglycemia), it may be because of an infection or other illness, eating too many sweets or starches, or not taking enough insulin. This sheet can help you care for yourself at home.

Read article
Diabetes
Getting Support When You Have Diabetes

The job of controlling your blood sugar is mostly up to you. But your diabetes healthcare team is there to help. These experts will teach you how to manage diabetes and the health risks it brings. With practice, controlling your blood sugar will become a habit.