At Podiatry Point, our podiatrists are skilled in managing an array of complex diabetic foot problems. If you have diabetes and you have not had a foot check in the last 12 months click here to book now.
According to Diabetes Australia if you have diabetes you need to have your feet checked annually if you have low risk feet and every 3 – 6 months for high risk feet. The check-up will include looking at the following:
- Blood flow to the feet (circulation)
- Feeling and reflexes (nerves)
- Unusual foot shapes (including bunions, claw toes and hammer toes)
- Toenails
- Dryness, calluses, corns, cracks or infections.
In Australia alone, around 3,000 amputations are performed every year on the feet of adults with diabetes, with some of these conditions easily preventable with pro-active treatment. Annual pulse and circulation checks of your feet will help identify these issues before they develop into a serious complication.
Diabetes causes changes to nerve endings resulting in numbness of the affected area. People with diabetes can potentially and unknowingly injure themselves, resulting in wounds that are not treated and do not heal. Additionally, circulation problems can be apparent, causing an increased risk of infection.
To avoid problems, if you have diabetes, in addition to regular checks with your podiatrist, it is recommended that you commit to a regular foot care routine, including:
- Visual inspection of the feet at least once per day for cuts, blisters, corns or calluses
- Moisturising feet on a daily basis
- Cleaning and covering any blisters, cuts or abrasions
- Wearing protective footwear at all times, especially if you have lost feeling in your feet.