Diabetic foot care

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Diabetic foot care is important as diabetes can lead to nerve damage (neuropathy) and poor circulation. These conditions can make feet more prone to developing complications such as infection and ulcers. Regular foot maintenance and assessment of sensation and circulation, can help prevent complications occurring. 

How does diabetes affect the feet?

• Having diabetes puts you at an increased risk of developing problems with your feet, regardless of whether or not your diabetes is controlled by insulin injections, tablets, or diet alone.
• Foot ulcers are a common complication of diabetes for two main reasons; the loss of sensation (neuropathy) in the feet and poor circulation.
• Neuropathy (nerve problems) affects the nerve supply in the feet. There are different types of neuropathy affecting foot sensation, structure and function.

Blood circulation can also be affected if you have diabetes. If the feet have poor blood circulation, there is reduced healing following injury. Poor circulation may also cause cramps in the legs and feet.

The signs of diabetic complications in the feet include:

• Numbness
• Nerve pain
• Loss of sensation
• Ulcer formation
• Dry and cracked skin 
• Cuts and sores on the feet that do not heal
• Altered foot shape

For more information about diabetes, please see the NHS website.

What does diabetic foot care involve?

If you have diabetes, it is important you have a regular assessment in order to assess the nerve and blood supply to the feet. The results of the assessment will provide the information necessary to assess whether you are deemed ‘high risk’ or ‘low risk’ of diabetic complications. The frequency of these assessments will depend on this risk.

We will discuss what issues you have identified, and an assessment will be completed. Following a discussion, we will create a treatment plan on how to maintain the health of your feet and help prevent diabetic complications from developing. This plan may include referral to other services such as your GP or a Podiatrist.

If you would like help with managing your feet, please contact me to arrange an assessment.

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