Wash feet daily in luke warm water. Always check the temperature of the water with your hand or elbow because if the nerves are damaged you will not feel if the water is too hot.Wash carefully all over paying particular attention to in between the toes. Use an ordinary soap.

Dry the feet well and again pay attention to in between the toes.

After drying, apply a moisturising cream or an ordinary hand cream all over the feet and rub it in well.

Do not rub the cream in between your toes as this will make the skin in there too moist.

You should carry out daily foot inspections checking all surfaces of the foot and in between the toes. If you have reduced sensation in your feet due to nerve damage then this is the only way to find if something is wrong.

Wear clean socks every day. Cotton or wool socks are best.Make sure the seam is not too bulky, if it is, turn the sock inside out so the seam doesn't press on the toes.Avoid socks with tight elastic tops.

Empty out your shoes before you put them on each day in case there are any objects inside e.g. little stones.

Only trim your own nails if you are able to see them properly and if you have no difficulty reaching them, otherwise you may need some help.

It is best to use a nail clippers or if using a scissors make sure they are small and blunt ended.

The safest tool of all is a nail file.The nails should be cut straight across and never down the sides as this will cause an ingrowing toenail. Do not cut your nails too short. Cutting a ' v ' in your nail does not prevent or cure ingrowing nails.

Do not try to scrape out down the side of your nail as you will damage the delicate skin there. If you have hard skin at the sides apply olive oil daily and this will soften it.

  If your nails are very thickened, damaged or difficult to cut do not try to do it yourself. You may try to file them down but you will need to see a Chiropodist or Podiatrist to have them properly treated.