Diabetes, if left uncontrolled, can have an impact on your feet. Poorly managed diabetes may lead to impaired blood flow and impaired sensation of the lower limbs, particularly the feet. With the inability to feel your feet and poor blood supply the risk of injury and the inability to heal increases, increasing the risk of ulceration and infection. Poorly controlled diabetes may also result in altered foot type changing the mechanics of your feet resulting in a more ridged foot type, leading to increased pressure areas under the foot, increasing chances of callous, corns, and wounds forming.
BUT it is not all doom and gloom, Podiatrist are here to help, offering advice, tips and treatment to help you best manage any complications or concerns you have regarding your feet and your diabetes helping you to put your best foot forward.
How Your Podiatrist Can Help
Vascular system
Podiatrists are able to assess your blood circulation to your foot through non-invasive Doppler ultrasound. We are then able to monitor the blood flow to the lower extremities over a period of time and see any changes that may occur and report these findings to your General Practitioner.
Nervous System
Podiatrists can perform assessments to the neurological system of the foot and leg, identifying areas at risk of injury, monitoring change and helping to put strategies in place to prevent injury.
Dermatological status
Podiatrists are able to examine and treat specific skin concerns of the foot and lower leg including corns, callous, heel cracks, nail pathologies etc. Prevention, education and treatment of these concerns reduce your risk of diabetic foot related issues and keep you moving.
Foot Mechanics/Footwear/orthotics
Podiatrists can provide education on appropriate footwear and orthotics to help prevent rubbing and prescribe orthotics to help assist in redistributing and offloading high areas of pressure under the foot.
Self-Management Strategies
Foot Hygiene
Wash your feet daily and thoroughly dry, especially between the toes
Moisturise your feet to maintain good skin integrity to prevent skin from drying, which can lead to cracked heels.
Keep your feet covered with non-elastic topped clean socks to maintain good foot hygiene.
Daily Checks
Inspect your feet daily, watching for any irregular signs which may include; redness, swelling, heat, blisters, cuts etc.
Note: Use a mirror to help check the bottom of your feet if necessary.
Blood Glucose Levels (BGL’s)
Monitoring and documenting your BGL’s will give you a better predictor of how your sugar levels are and can give you an indication of what foods may be increasing those levels after eating.
It is best to check your BGL’s before eating and 2 hours after. Documenting these will aid Allied Health Professionals to better understand your diabetes.
Shoes
As diabetes may alter your mechanics and pressures, it is important to wear the appropriate shoes for your foot type.
Remembering to check your shoes for rubbing spots, rocks, sticks etc. which may go undetected and cause injury to the foot.
Lifestyle
Regular exercise has been shown to be very effective in regulating blood sugar levels.
Dietary changes to help reduce sugar intake and cholesterol which can block adequate blood flow to the foot.
Cessation of smoking and limiting alcohol consumption.
Are you a diabetic? Put your health first by seeing one of our accredited podiatrists today!