FOOT CARE
Key impacts of Diabetes on feet
Peripheral Neuropathy (Nerve Damage)
This leads to a loss of feeling in the feet. Patients might not notice injuries, such as blisters, cuts, or small wounds, which can then progress into infections or ulcers.
Peripheral Arterial Disease (Poor Circulation)
Damages blood vessels, reducing the oxygen supply needed for wounds to heal.
Foot Ulcers
These are serious, non-healing, or slow-healing wounds, often occurring under the foot.
Charcot Foot
A serious, rare complication where bones in the foot fracture or shift, causing the foot to change shape (e.g., "rocker bottom").
Infections and Gangrene
Due to poor circulation and loss of sensation, minor infections can become severe quickly, potentially leading to tissue death (gangrene) or amputation.
Skin and Nail Changes
Diabetes can cause dry, cracked skin (due to reduced sweating), calluses, and thick, yellowed, or fungal-infected nails.
Deformities
Motor nerve damage can lead to muscle weakness, resulting in claw toes, hammertoes and bunions.
WHAT WE CHECK
Assessing the risk and condition
Where appropriate, we can provide a written summary of our findings to your GP or diabetes team.
Footwear advice
Treatment plan
Exercises where appropriate
Orthotic assessment if required
Daily Self-Checks
It is crucial to check feet every day for cuts, redness, swelling, or blisters, using a mirror for the bottoms of the feet.
Annual Foot Screening
Everyone with diabetes should have a comprehensive annual foot check by a professional.
Assessment Tools
Professionals use a 10g monofilament to test for loss of protective sensation, assess for foot pulses, check skin condition, and examine shoes for proper fit.
Risk Categorisation
Patients are classified into low, moderate, or high-risk categories based on their level of sensation and circulation.
WARNING SIGNS
What to watch out for
See a doctor or podiatrist urgently if you notice:
A cut, sore, or blister that does not start to heal after a few days.
Red, warm, or swollen areas, which can indicate infection or Charcot foot.
A new pain, tingling, or burning sensation in the feet.
Changes in the shape or colour of the feet.
Calluses with dried blood inside.
A new, bad smell from a foot injury.
PREVENTATIVE CARE
Key impacts of Diabetes on feet
Never go barefoot
Always wear shoes and socks, even inside.
Check shoes
Inspect the inside of shoes for pebbles or sharp objects before putting them on.
Hygiene
Wash feet daily with warm, not hot, water and dry thoroughly, especially between the toes.
Moisturise
Use cream to prevent dry skin, but avoid putting it between the toes.
Trim nails carefully
Cut nails straight across, or have a podiatrist do it.
Monitoring
Regularly monitoring your feet and maintaining good blood sugar control are the best ways to prevent these serious complications.