Diabetic Feet

Diabetes is increasing at an alarming rate in Australia and Podiatrists are often the first practitioners to detect signs of diabetes. Complications can include;

• Peripheral Neuropathy- numbness or lack of feeling which begins in the toes and progresses further up the foot.
• Peripheral Vascular Disease- there may be a strong pulse in the foot but the smaller vessels do not allow normal flow of blood containing oxygen and nutrients into the tissues. Healing of even a minor wound is affected by the lack of blood supply. Healing will be delayed and there will be an increased chance of infection. Foot infection can be a common complication, resulting in possible amputation of toes and feet.
• Foot ulcers - Ulcers are a common complication of diabetes and are often caused by too much pressure on an area and the skin 'breaks down'. This can occur under callus or corns. Special foot orthoses can be used to redirect pressure and help prevent this complication.
• Kidney Disease - affects healing of tissue because it affects proteins involved in healing.
• Eye disease- beacause vision is affected, 'home treatments' become risky, as it is easy to cut the skin and allow entry of infection to occur. This is why it is important to see a podiatrist to have proper treatment.

Tips for diabetic foot care

• Inspect feet daily, use a mirror to look at the bottom of your feet if necessary.
• Wash and dry well, apply a good moisturiser to the feet daily and do not use powder between the toes.
• Wear good fitting footwear with plenty of padding.
• Never walk barefoot outside.
• Do not use any caustic preparations such as corn plasters on the skin.
• Do not treat corns callus or ingrown nails at home because it is easy to cause an infection.
• See your podiatrist or doctor as quickly as possible if you suspect something is wrong.
• An annual foot check is a good way to prevent problems. Podiatrists are trained to examine and assess the diabetic foot.