Diabetes Foot Health
Diabetes and Foot Health: Why Regular Podiatry Checks Are Essential
Living with diabetes can lead to a range of health concerns, especially when it comes to your feet. Diabetes can affect your nerves and blood vessels, making it harder for your body to heal and reducing sensation in your feet. Since the feet are the furthest from your heart and nervous system, they are particularly vulnerable to complications. This is where podiatry care becomes crucial.
At LYF, we are here to help you maintain optimal foot health by identifying potential issues before they become serious problems. Regular podiatric check-ups can help prevent complications from worsening and protect you from more severe conditions.
The Two Main Diabetes-Related Foot Complications We See:
1. Peripheral Neuropathy (Nerve Damage)
- What it is: This condition occurs when high blood sugar levels damage the nerves in your feet, leading to numbness or a loss of sensation. You may not feel pain, pressure, or even injury, which can put you at risk for cuts or sores that go unnoticed and untreated.
- Why it’s important: If left unchecked, nerve damage can result in serious issues, such as foot ulcers or infections that can go unnoticed due to lack of sensation.
2. Peripheral Vascular Disease (Poor Circulation)
- What it is: Diabetes can also affect the blood vessels, limiting circulation in the feet. Poor circulation makes it harder for your body to heal wounds and increases the risk of developing foot ulcers. In severe cases, poor circulation can lead to amputations if the problem is not managed effectively.
- Why it’s important: If you experience slower healing of cuts, sores, or any skin damage on your feet, it’s essential to seek treatment early. Our podiatrists are trained to detect these issues before they progress, helping you manage your foot health.
Why Regular Foot Checks Are Essential for Diabetic Patients:
- Early Detection: By identifying complications early, we can provide treatment and prevent further damage, avoiding serious issues down the road.
- Prevention: Regular podiatry visits allow us to proactively manage the risk of ulcers, infections, or other complications by monitoring your foot health.
- Better Quality of Life: Proper foot care reduces pain, prevents serious issues, and improves your overall well-being.
If you have diabetes, we strongly recommend regular foot health assessments to monitor any changes in your feet and catch potential complications early. Early intervention is key to preventing long-term damage and maintaining your foot health.
Diabetes Foot Health Check: What’s Involved
At LYF, we offer a comprehensive Diabetes Foot Health Check to ensure that your feet remain healthy and free from complications. Diabetes can significantly impact foot health, but with regular check-ups, we can catch any issues early and provide effective treatment to prevent long-term damage.
Here’s what you can expect during a Diabetes Foot Health Check:
1. Doppler Ultrasound Analysis of Pulses in the Foot
- Why it’s important: This test helps us assess the blood flow to your feet by measuring the pulse in your arteries. Poor circulation can be a sign of peripheral vascular disease (PVD), which is common in diabetic patients. Early detection allows us to manage and improve circulation to reduce the risk of further complications.
2. Nerve Sensation Assessment
- Why it’s important: Diabetic neuropathy can cause a loss of sensation in your feet, increasing the risk of unnoticed injuries. We perform a series of tests to check your foot’s sensitivity to touch, pressure, and temperature. This helps us detect peripheral neuropathy early and tailor a treatment plan for you.
3. Assessment of Skin and Nails
- Why it’s important: Diabetes can cause changes to the skin and nails, including dryness, cracks, fungal infections, and ingrown toenails. We carefully examine your feet for any signs of damage, infection, or irritation, ensuring we can address any concerns promptly.
4. Skin and Nail Treatment
- Why it’s important: If we identify any skin or nail issues, such as corns, calluses, ingrown toenails, or fungal infections, we provide professional treatment to prevent further damage. We also ensure that any existing issues are properly treated to promote healing and prevent complications.
5. Recommendation of a Home Care Routine
- Why it’s important: Proper home care is essential in managing foot health with diabetes. Based on our assessment, we will recommend specific foot care routines, including moisturizing, proper footwear, nail care, and how to manage cuts, blisters, or calluses. Adhering to these recommendations will help you maintain healthy feet between visits.
6. Letter Correspondence to Your General Practitioner
- Why it’s important: We provide a comprehensive report of your foot health to your General Practitioner (GP). This ensures that your healthcare team is aware of any potential complications and can assist in coordinating treatment, improving your overall care.
Book Your Diabetes Foot Health Check Today
Taking proactive steps to care for your feet is one of the best things you can do to manage your diabetes. If you're concerned about your foot health or want to ensure your feet are in the best condition, schedule a Diabetes Foot Health Check with one of our expert podiatrists.
Signs and Symptoms to Look For:
If you have diabetes, it’s important to stay vigilant about any changes to your feet. Keep an eye out for these warning signs and symptoms, which could indicate an underlying issue:
- Cold feet or numbness: This could be a sign of poor circulation or nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy).
- Sharp pain in your leg after walking, pins and needles: Pain or discomfort when walking, or a tingling sensation, could be signs of nerve damage.
- Changes in foot colour (e.g., redder skin): Any unusual changes in the colour of your skin could indicate circulation issues or infection.
- Nail changes: Look for any changes in your nails, including thickening, discolouration, or fungal infections. Corns, calluses, cracked or dry skin can also signal potential problems.
What You Can Do From Home:
Maintaining a consistent daily foot care routine can significantly improve the health of your feet and help prevent complications:
- Clean and dry your feet thoroughly, including drying between your toes to prevent fungal infections.
- Moisturise your feet daily to keep the skin supple and prevent cracks or dryness.
- Inspect your feet daily for any changes, cuts, blisters, or areas of concern.
- Trim your toenails regularly to prevent ingrown nails and injury.
- Wear enclosed footwear to protect your feet from injury and infection. Avoid sandals or open-toed shoes.
- Visit your podiatrist regularly to monitor and manage any issues early before they become serious.
Additional Tips for Managing Your Health:
Besides caring for your feet, there are other important lifestyle choices that can help you maintain good overall health:
- Maintain your blood glucose levels within the target range set by your healthcare provider.
- Eat a balanced, healthy diet to support your overall health and foot care.
- Stay physically active to improve circulation and overall health.
- Avoid smoking, as it can worsen circulation problems and increase your risk of complications.
- Schedule an annual diabetes check-up to stay on top of your condition and catch any issues early.
Seek Urgent Care If:
If you notice any of the following, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible:
- Signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, warmth, or pus.
- Any skin breakdown, ulcers, or cracks in your heels that aren’t healing.
Regular podiatric check-ups are crucial for individuals with diabetes to maintain optimal foot health and prevent long-term damage. If you notice any of the signs or symptoms mentioned above, or if it’s time for your regular foot check-up, book a consultation with our expert podiatrists today! We're here to help you take control of your foot health.