Living with Diabetes: the importance of footcare
Living with diabetes can be difficult and we understand you already have a lot on your plate. This is why when it comes to your footcare, we’ve got you covered. If you are living with diabetes you’re at a higher risk of foot problems and this is why it is imperative you check your feet often and consider seeing a podiatrist, like us at Epsom Footcare, to keep your feet in top condition. In this article we explore why it is so important to look after your feet and the complications that can occur with your foot health when you live with diabetes.
Why is it important to check your feet when you have diabetes?
Diabetes can cause damage to your nerves and blood vessels which can lead to reduced blood supply to your feet. Having a poor blood supply to the feet can cause issues with the healing of any cuts and sores and will reduce your ability to fight infection. The feet are the body part furthest from the heart and they contain many small blood vessels and they are often the first body part to show signs of damage due to diabetes.
Checking your feet and maintaining regular foot care is really important. Where diabetes is affecting the circulation, failing to get foot problems sorted quickly can lead to foot ulcers, infections and in a worst case scenario, even amputation. Amputation in diabetes can lead to shortened life expectancy.
Possible foot complications when living with diabetes
If you notice any of the following, it could be a sign that your diabetes is progressing and you should have a review with your podiatrist or notify your GP.
- You have numbness in feet and/or toes
- You have coldness in your legs or feet
- You feel a tingling sensation or pins and needles in your feet
- Your have burning pains in your legs (especially at night)
- You have leg cramps
- You have pain in your feet, even when you’re resting
- Your feet feel cold
- Your feet look reddish-blue
- You have cuts or sores which take a long time to heal or do not heal
How to keep foot problems at bay when living with diabetes?
To reduce the risk of your nerve and circulatory symptoms worsening, try to keep your blood glucose levels as close as possible to the optimum range. Keeping active should also help and remember to attend regular routine foot care appointments with your podiatrist, as well as generally looking after and caring for your feet so any issues can be picked up and treated as soon as possible. If you find anything you are concerned about, see a podiatrist or GP sooner rather than later to avoid medical emergencies.
What can my podiatrist do to help?
As podiatrists we are experts in all things feet and can complete a full assessment, rather like an MOT for your feet! We will assess your blood flow and circulation to your feet as well as your sensation, including your touch and reflexes. We will also perform routine foot care such as cutting your nails and callus care. Your skilled podiatrist will identify and manage any areas of concern and be able to provide easy to follow foot care instructions for you to continue at home, as well as provide advice around suitable footwear.
With ongoing care, we can monitor your overall foot health as well as offer routine foot care such as cutting your nails and dealing with corns or calluses. We can monitor and pick up any changes to your foot health that may need intervention so you have less to worry about.
If you feel a podiatry appointment could benefit you get in touch with our patient care team on 01372 723000 or book your initial consultation online.
