Taking care of your feet is incredibly important. However, taking care of your foot health when you’re diabetic is essential.
Reports from the UK highlight that there are approximately 5 million people diagnosed with diabetes, and as specialist podiatrists, we know that diabetes puts you at increased risk of foot complications, and if signs and symptoms are left untreated, it can lead to serious complications and even foot amputation.
Regular podiatry care can help spot these signs and symptoms early and allow for the prescription of the right diabetic foot care treatment.
In this post, we look at some of the main causes of foot issues, signs to look out for, and podiatry for diabetic foot to ensure the best treatment and support.
Why is foot care important for diabetics?
Regular care and attention to your feet if you are diabetic should never be an afterthought, but rather an exercise that is carried out every day.
This is because diabetes can cause two major problems:
1. Nerve damage in the feet (neuropathy). Nerve damage in this instance is caused by high blood sugar levels, which can damage nerves leading to numbness or tingling in the feet. It also makes them less sensitive to pain from cuts and blisters which can lead to serious consequences.
2. Poor circulation (peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Diabetes can impair blood flow to the feet, which in turn can increase the risk of infection and slow healing. Symptoms of poor circulation include pain when walking and cold feet.
Both conditions can lead to foot pain and significant discomfort, limiting mobility and participation in everyday activities.
These foot problems can then lead to:
Ulcers – open sores which have a high risk of becoming infected. Foot ulcers require immediate attention.
- Corns and calluses – a thickening of the skin found on the bottom or side of the foot.
- Fungal infections – from nail infections from ingrown toenails to athlete’s foot, infections occur from cuts or blisters on the feet.
- Foot deformations – these can include bunions (on the side of the feet) and claw toes.
This is where diabetes foot management can be essential.
Podiatrist and diabetes care
Podiatrist and diabetes foot care can help to spot some of the signs we’ve touched upon above early, providing tailored and appropriate treatment to prevent further, more serious complications.
Carrying out thorough assessments (including biomechanical assessments), a podiatrist will check your feet for any abnormalities, classifying your feet based on circulation, nerve checks, and foot structure.
From here, tailored plans can be created to ensure the best possible treatment for you.
A specialist podiatrist can check:
- Nerve function, checking the sensation in your feet and areas to be aware of.
- Circulation, checking blood flow, and movement.
Podiatrists can also:
Remove corns and calluses; treat ingrown nails; provide advice on correct footwear; and provide information on how best to look after your feet and the signs to look out for, helping you with the right diabetes foot management strategies.
Podiatrists can also treat wounds and perform debridement when required (removing some of the damaged tissue from the wound).
In severe cases, surgery can also be carried out to repair and correct deformities and improve overall foot function.
Foot reconstruction and amputation may be required in cases where treatment is no longer working, and the infection is so severe that the foot can no longer be saved and is likely to cause more health issues.
Your podiatrist appointment is your opportunity to ask questions and gain specialist advice.
Keeping a check on your feet at home
When checking your feet at home, look out for:
- Cuts
- Redness
- Swelling
- Wash and dry your feet thoroughly
- Moisturise daily to prevent dry skin
- Look to reduce pressure points on feet
- Avoid walking barefoot
- Wear moisture-wicking socks
- Wear correctly fitting shoes
- Trim your nails regularly.
We also recommend maintaining a balanced diet to control blood sugar levels, staying hydrated, taking part in regular exercise to improve blood circulation, and finding ways to better manage stress.
If you notice any changes in your feet, it’s important to book an appointment with a qualified and experienced podiatrist as soon as possible.
Note: Regular check-ups with your podiatrist are recommended at least once per year.
If you would like to discuss your foot care with one of our specialists, call 01904 373 118.
Diabetic foot care treatment
Our feet are crucial to our everyday lives, and at Kin Body & Sole, we work hard to help keep your feet in the best condition.
Our team is trained to identify a whole host of foot conditions before they escalate, preventing complications linked to nerve damage and poor circulation.
Diagnosing, treating, and preventing conditions negatively affecting the feet, our diabetes care and podiatrist team is here for you.
Keeping your feet healthy and improving your quality of life, book your appointment with our team today.