Diabetes Foot Care

Services & Treatments

Podiatrists have an important role to play in preventing & managing foot complications among people with diabetes. At Dapto Podiatry Clinic we do regular vascular, neurological and diabetes foot assessments on at-risk feet.

Diabetes has many effects on the feet, including:

Nerve damage, resulting in numbness, burning sensations, pain, coldness, pins and needles or tingling while at rest.
Blocked blood vessels or decreased blood flow may result in wounds on the foot not healing in a normal time period.
Weakened bones causing a shift in the foot, which may change the way the foot distributes pressure.
Collapsed joints, especially in the area of the arch.
Callouses and blisters, a person with diabetes may be more vulnerable to these forming.
Ulcers or wounds occur more easily as a result of the breakdown of several layers of skin.
A breakdown of tissue goes all the way to the bone, and secondary bone infection can occur, in some cases resulting in the loss of the foot.

Prevention is better than cure

Wear properly fitting shoes and socks.
Exercising the feet can increase blood flow and keep the foot flexible.
Avoid extreme heat and cold on the feet.
Avoid crossing the your legs, this can affect already-decreased blood circulation.
Avoid over-the-counter medications, such as corn pads, they may be ineffective or in some cases make the condition worse.
Avoid walking barefoot – a person with diabetes can injure their feet by walking barefoot and stepping on sharp objects.
Follow a recommended diet for people with diabetes.

When to see us

It is essential that a person with diabetes have regular check-ups so we can assist by:
Trimming nails to prevent them becoming thickened and ingrown.
Treating blisters so they do not become ulcers or infected.
Conducting an examination to look for signs of decreased circulation, decreased nerve sensation, weakened bones and collapsed joints.
Providing advice on the purchase of suitable shoes, insoles and devices to relieve pressure and pain to abnormal sensitive sites on the feet.
To make sure any infection, laceration, wounds or signs of a foreign object in the foot are to be treated promptly.

If you have diabetes, seek advice when you notice the following:

Any colour changes in your feet .
Abnormal swelling and tenderness occurs.
Extra-warm areas may mean an infection has started – extra coolness may mean a decrease of circulation.
Pins and needles, numbness, tingling, burning is experienced, this may be the result of nerve damage in the foot.
Hot spots are noticed, these are caused by friction or pressure – these may turn into blisters, corns or calluses.
Cracks, wounds and ulcers develop – these may be caused by dry or irritated skin, decrease in circulation, or abnormal pressure.

Book an appointment

Dapto Podiatry is your local orthotic specialist. Call us today on 02 4261 6909 or enquire online to discuss your diabetes foot care.