Diabetes

Diabetes & Foot Health

Diabetes affects your whole body, including your feet.

It is very important to look after your feet, particularly if you have diabetes. Changes can occur in your circulation, the quality and condition of your skin and nails, you can experience foot pain and issues with joint movement and function. If you pick up an infection in your feet it may be more difficult to clear and wounds can be slower to heal. This is why regular visits to a qualified podiatrist are essential for you regardless of your age.

Hard skin and callous should be removed by the podiatrist as they are the only medical professionals trained and qualified to do this. if hard skin and callous is left untreated the skin can breakdown underneath and can lead to ulceration. This is one of the reasons why it is vital that you look after your feet to prevent problems from occurring. Your podiatrist will be able to advise you on this and answer any questions you may have. Never treat your own feet or use over the counter preparation or devices however convincing they may seem.

You should look after your feet by washing and drying them thoroughly, checking for any changes to the skin and nails (including new lesions, cuts, colour change, etc), keeping your nails short (check with the podiatrist to make sure you are doing this correctly) better still let the podiatrist do it for you). You should always use a diabetic specific moisturizer on your feet every day, but don’t put the moisturizer between your toes. If you have any concerns about your feet book an appointment with your podiatrist immediately, so that they can check your feet and, if necessary, start treatment straight away. If you feel it is an emergency inform the reception and and we will fit you in as soon as possible.

At Midleton Foot Clinic, we perform a full diabetic foot check which will show us the condition that your feet are in. We will always advise your doctor of your condition should the need arise and refer you back to him/her with the appropriate letter and recommendations. It is advisable that you have a foot check every six months as your feet will change. The podiatrist will check your pulses, skin, nails, joints, skin sensation and let you know if you require any treatment and as previously stated inform your doctor (G.P.) of the results to ensure that all your records for diabetes are kept together and up to date.

midletonfootclinic@gmail.com