Diabetes & Your Feet
People with Diabetes are particularly prone to foot problems. Our podiatry team are highly skilled in treating Diabetes related foot conditions and performing Diabetes foot assessments. The great thing is many of these problems are preventable with treatment and advice from our podiatry team. We recommend that people with diabetes have their feet checked at least every 6-12 months for low-risk feet and every 1-2 months for high-risk feet.
What’s in the Diabetes Foot or Neurovascular Assessment?
The assessment may include looking at the following:
- Blood flow to the feet (circulation), using a vascular Doppler ultrasound
- Sensations (Feeling) and reflexes (nerves), as determined by monofilament testing
- Unusual foot shapes (including bunions, claw toes and hammer toes)
- Toenail health (ingrown or fungal)
- Skin condition, including dryness, calluses, corns, cracks or infections
People with diabetes who have misshapen feet and nerve damage are the more likely to develop:
- Corns and calluses due to too much pressure or friction on prominent joints. This can contribute to delayed healing and increased risk of infection.
- Ulcers or wounds and potential risk of amputation.
Seek your podiatrist’s help to remove calluses or corns as they have increased risk of developing a wound and infection, risking amputation.
In order to assess your level of risk of developing diabetic foot complications, it is strongly recommended that all people with Diabetes have a regular circulation and sensation check for their feet. Our Podiatry team can perform this safe and thorough assessment for you, discuss any problems with you, and answer your questions. They will also provide a detailed report to your doctor.