Diabetic Foot Care

Preventative care by our team of podiatrists can help minimise Diabetic foot complications

Diabetes can drastically increase your risk for a number of serious foot-related health issues. Visit our Doreen podiatry clinic to discover a treatment plan that’s right for you.

Foot problems are a common complication associated with diabetes and your feet can be affected in 2 particular ways.

Nerve damage in the feet

This can include loss of feeling or sensation in the feet and ankles, which can lead to minor cuts and abrasions worsening because people don’t even realise they have them.

Damage to the blood vessels that supply the feet

Blood supply or circulation can also be affected, resulting in the person becoming more susceptible to common injury.

As a diabetic, the importance of daily foot care in conjunction with daily checks should never be underestimated, as minor issues can potentially become major issues if left untreated.

What to Expect From a Diabetic Foot Care Appointment

Your Diabetic foot care appointment will begin with one of our podiatrists conducting a comprehensive assessment of your medical history and specifically any other conditions or problems you may have besides diabetes. We then look at the medications you’re taking and any potential side effects. Concluding this a hands on medical exam will take place, testing the following:

• Sensation
• Analysis of blood supply and circulation using a Doppler
• Evaluation of existing injuries

Following this your foot condition will be classified as either high or low risk. From this a preventative diabetes treatment plan will then be formulated based on your risk and our podiatrists will let you know how often you should return for regular diabetic foot care.

When to Book In For a Diabetic Foot Care Appointment

Preventative care is always advised in dealing with diabetes and foot pain – All people with diabetes should have their feet checked at least once a year by a podiatrist. This is important to detect problems early and to prevent ulcers and other complications such as gangrene.  Book in to see one of our highly skilled podiatrists if any of the following applies to you:

• You have had diabetes for longer than 3 years
• Your blood glucose levels have been too high for an extended period
• You are a smoker
• Your daily activity does not meet the recommended levels
• Throbbing Pain
• Swelling
• Hot or cold sensations
• Discolouration in your feet
• A cut or injury takes longer to heal than usual