Diabetes Management: Are You Paying Attention to Your Feet?

If you are living with diabetes, dedicating specific attention to the health of your feet is absolutely essential. Diabetes can unfortunately lead to certain complications that significantly increase the risk of serious foot problems developing.

Why It's So Important / The Risks:

Individuals with diabetes face a higher likelihood of foot issues, primarily stemming from two common complications:

1. Nerve Damage (Neuropathy): Damage to the nerves, particularly in the feet, leading to a loss of sensation. This means you might not be able to feel pain, temperature changes (hot or cold), or even injuries like cuts, blisters, or foreign objects in your shoe.

2. Poor Blood Circulation: Diabetes can also negatively impact blood flow (circulation), especially to your lower legs and feet. Reduced circulation compromises your body's natural ability to heal. Consequently, even a very small cut, scrape, or blister can struggle to heal properly, making it highly vulnerable to infection or developing into a non-healing wound known as an ulcer.

Potential Complications & Related Issues:

The dangerous combination of neuropathy (loss of feeling) and poor circulation can pave the way for significant foot health issues, including:

• Persistent numbness, tingling, burning, or altered sensations.

• A heightened risk of developing potentially serious foot infections.

• The formation of foot ulcerations (open sores that are slow to heal).

• Difficulties with nail care due to thickness, brittleness, or ingrown nails, requiring professional attention.

• In severe situations where infections or ulcers cannot be controlled, there is unfortunately a risk of needing amputation.

What Specialized Diabetic Foot Care Involves:

Proactive assessment and care are fundamental to preventing serious complications. Here’s how we can help:

• Education is Key: We take the time to explain your individual risk factors and educate you on the vital preventative measures you should incorporate into your daily routine for the best possible foot health outcomes.

• Comprehensive Assessment & Treatment: We provide thorough foot examinations that include checking your circulation, assessing your nerve function (neuropathy screening), inspecting your skin integrity, and evaluating your toenails. We offer essential treatments and dedicated follow-up support for common diabetic foot concerns, such as careful management of numbness, addressing circulation-related issues, specialized nail care, expert wound care for ulcerations, and treatment for infections.

• Importance of Regular Check-ups: It's crucial to follow the Canadian diabetic guidelines, which strongly recommend that every individual with diabetes undergoes a comprehensive foot examination by a licensed Chiropodist at least once per year – even if you aren't currently experiencing any noticeable foot problems. Early detection and intervention are paramount.

Key Takeaways about Diabetic Foot Care:

• Heightened Risk: Diabetes frequently leads to nerve damage (neuropathy) and reduced blood circulation in the feet.

• Primary Dangers: Neuropathy can mask injuries, while poor circulation hinders healing, significantly increasing the risk of infections and ulcers from minor wounds.

• Essential Care Includes: Regular professional assessments (checking sensation, circulation, skin, nails), patient education on self-care, specialized treatments as needed (e.g., nail care, skin care, wound management), and vigilant monitoring.

• Annual Professional Exam: Highly recommended for everyone with diabetes annually by Canadian guidelines, regardless of current symptoms.

Getting Diabetic Foot Care:

Prioritizing your foot health is an integral part of your overall diabetes management plan. Here at Donwood Foot and Orthotic Clinic, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive diabetic foot care. We offer specialized assessments, ongoing treatment programs, preventative education, and therapies designed specifically to address the unique challenges faced by individuals with diabetes and provide relief for related foot problems. Please ensure you schedule your recommended annual diabetic foot assessment, or book an appointment sooner if you have any concerns or notice any changes in your feet.