Diabetic Foot Health
Diabetes and Foot Health
Understanding How Diabetes Affects the Feet
Diabetes can impact various parts of your body, including your feet. Understanding how diabetes affects your feet and knowing the common podiatric treatments can help you maintain good foot health.
Causes:
- Neuropathy (Nerve Damage): High blood sugar levels can damage the nerves in your feet, leading to numbness, tingling, and loss of sensation.
- Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD): Diabetes can cause reduced blood flow to the legs and feet, increasing the risk of wounds and ulcers.
- Infections: High blood sugar levels weaken the immune system, making it harder to fight infections. Small cuts or blisters can become serious problems.
- Charcot Foot: A condition where bones in the foot weaken and fracture due to nerve damage, causing deformities and instability.
- Skin Changes: Diabetes can lead to dry skin, calluses, and skin changes that increase the risk of complications.
Common Podiatric Treatments:
- Regular Foot Exams: Routine foot check-ups with your podiatrist are crucial for early detection and prevention.
- Footwear Guidance: Wearing proper, well-fitting shoes is essential to protect your feet. Your podiatrist can recommend appropriate footwear.
- Nerve Function Monitoring: Periodic nerve function tests can help assess the extent of neuropathy and guide treatment decisions.
- Wound Care: Prompt and proper care of wounds or ulcers is essential to prevent infections and complications.
- Custom Orthotics: Custom-made shoe inserts can help alleviate pressure points and prevent calluses.
- Medication Management: Properly managing your diabetes with medications and lifestyle changes can reduce the risk of complications.
- Vascular Interventions: In cases of reduced blood flow, interventions like angioplasty or stent placement may be considered.
- Charcot Foot Management: If Charcot foot is diagnosed, your podiatrist can provide guidance on orthopaedic devices and, in severe cases, surgical intervention.
Preventing Diabetes-Related Foot Complications:
To maintain healthy feet with diabetes, follow these guidelines:
- Keep blood sugar levels within your target range.
- Perform daily foot inspections for cuts, blisters, and changes.
- Wash and moisturize your feet daily.
- Trim toenails carefully and straight across.
- Avoid walking barefoot and protect your feet from extreme temperatures.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a balanced diet.
Other Services..
General Nail & Foot Care
Routine foot and nail care is essential for preventing issues like ingrown toenails, corns, and calluses. We help keep your feet in top condition with professional trimming, debridement, and treatment of common nail and skin concerns. Ideal for seniors and those with mobility issues.
Sporting Injuries
Foot and ankle injuries from sports can significantly impact your mobility. We diagnose and treat conditions such as heel pain, shin splints, Achilles tendinitis, and stress fractures to get you back in action as soon as possible.
Specific Foot Problems
If you’re experiencing foot pain, swelling, or discomfort, we assess and treat conditions like plantar fasciitis, bunions, Morton’s neuroma, and arthritis-related foot pain, providing tailored solutions to improve your comfort.
Diabetic Foot Management
People with diabetes are at risk of foot complications due to reduced circulation and sensation. Our diabetic foot care services include regular check-ups, wound management, and preventative care to help avoid serious complications.
Home Visits & Age Care
For those who cannot make it to the clinic, we offer home visits across the Central Coast. This service is particularly beneficial for seniors, DVA Gold Card holders, and individuals with mobility challenges who require ongoing foot care.
Nail Surgery
We provide expert treatment for chronic ingrown toenails, including minor nail surgery when needed. Our gentle procedures help relieve pain and prevent recurring issues.
Paediatric Foot Care
Children’s feet develop rapidly, and early intervention can prevent future problems. We assess and treat common paediatric concerns such as flat feet, growing pains, and gait abnormalities to support healthy development.
Biomechanical Assessments
Custom orthotics and biomechanical assessments help correct foot posture, improve function, and relieve pain from conditions like overpronation, high arches, and sports-related strain.
Paraffin Foot Baths
Paraffin wax therapy is a soothing treatment for dry skin, arthritis, and joint stiffness. The warm wax helps increase circulation, hydrate the skin, and reduce pain in the feet. Ideal for those with arthritis or chronic foot discomfort.
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