Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes can cause severe foot complications

People with diabetes can develop a variety of foot complications. This can result in loss of sensation (Neuropathy) and reduced circulation (Ischeamia). However, with regular visits to a podiatrist along with patient education, appropriate footwear and daily foot inspections, one can prevent any serious complaints.

Routine foot care maintains healthy feet

People with diabetes are at increased risk of poor circulation (Ischaemia) and a loss of sensation (Neuropathy), as well as having a higher risk of developing infections and decreased ability to clear infections. Therefore, people with diabetes are prone to frequent and often severe foot problems and a relatively high risk of infection and ulcers.

Education plays a vital role in diabetic foot care, including the importance of routine preventative podiatry care, and appropriate footwear. The person should check their feet every day and report any sores or cuts that do not heal, puffiness, swelling, and skin that feels hot to the touch.

An annual foot assessment is recommended to monitor these complications and help prevent any serious problems.

What you should NOT do:

• Never soak your feet for long periods of time.
• Never cut corns or calluses with a razor blade.
• Do not use any form of chemical treatment for corns, calluses or verrucae.
• Never allow a lesion to go untreated.
• Never ignore any foot pain.
• Avoid extremes of temperature, very warm and very cold conditions can lead to skin complaints.
• Never walk barefoot as you are at a risk of getting a cut, which will subsequently become infected.