Diabetic Foot
Diabetes is a condition where your blood glucose level is too high. There are two main types, Type 1 and Type 2. There are some other rarer types of diabetes too.
Having diabetes means you are at a much greater risk of developing foot problems. This is because raised blood glucose can damage the sensation in your feet. It can also affect your circulation, which can mean blood can’t flow around your body properly, especially to your feet. Without a good blood supply, you may get cramps and pain in your legs or feet. These are just some of the signs of a potential foot problem.
Most foot problems can be prevented with good, regular foot care. So you need to know how to look after your feet at home and make sure you get a foot check from an HCPC Registered Podiatrist at least once a year.
At Warley Grange Health, our HCPC Registered Podiatrists, Sue Curtin and Richard Lang will allow forty five minutes for a Diabetic Foot Health Check. The appointment allows for a full medical history, an examination of the health of your skin and toenails, routine treatment (if required), a neurological assessment of the feet and vascular assessment of the feet. A report of our findings will be discussed with you and forwarded to your GP, if you wish, or if we feel it necessary.
Foot care tips if you have diabetes
- You should have your feet checked yearly, just like you have an annual diabetes review
- Keep your feet clean and free from infections
- Wear shoes that fit well and don’t squeeze or rub. Ill fitting shoes can cause corns and calluses, ulcers and nail problems
- Never walk barefoot, especially in the garden or on the beach, this is to avoid cuts. Also try to avoid sitting with your legs crossed so you don’t constrict blood circulation
- Cut and file your nails regularly
- Get corns and hard skin treated by a podiatrist
- Stop smoking
- Eat a healthy, well balanced diet and keep active