Diabetic foot care is essential for preventing complications that can arise from diabetes, such as pain, infections, ulcers, and even amputations. A good podiatry clinic will offer comprehensive diabetic foot care tailored to your unique needs.

Here’s what diabetic foot care usually includes:

Regular Foot Examinations

Annual Check-Ups:
Regular foot examinations by a podiatrist are crucial. At least once a year, schedule a thorough foot exam to detect early signs of problems. After the assessment, your podiatrist will discuss a plan for ongoing check ups depending on your current foot health.

Monitoring Changes:
More frequent visits may be necessary if you notice any changes in your feet, such as new pain, wounds, or infections. Don’t be afraid to contact your podiatrist to book an appointment if you are worried.

Daily Foot Inspections

Self-Checks:
Examine your feet for any signs of redness, swelling, cuts, blisters, or other abnormalities. Pay close attention to areas between your toes, around your heels, and the soles of your feet.

Assistance:
If you have difficulty seeing or reaching your feet, ask a family member or caregiver to help you with the inspection. Or put a mirror on the ground so you can see underneath your feet.

Proper Nail Care

Toenail Trimming:
Cut your toenails straight across and avoid cutting into the corners to prevent ingrown nails. File any sharp edges gently.

Professional Help:
If you have difficulty trimming your toenails due do hard nails, trouble bending down to your toes or hand strength, seek assistance from a podiatrist to avoid injury.

Moisturising

Daily Hydration:
Apply a moisturiser to your feet daily to keep your skin soft and prevent dryness and cracking. Avoid applying lotion between your toes to prevent fungal infections.

Safe Treatment for Corns and Calluses

Avoid Over-the-Counter Remedies:
Over-the-counter treatments for corns and calluses. Most of the pharmacy based ‘treatments’ involve acidic solutions that can burn into your healthy skin, causing pain and unnecessary wounds. Always consult your podiatrist for safe and effective treatment options.

Proper Footwear

Supportive Shoes:
Wear shoes that fit well and provide proper support. Ensure they are the right length, width, and depth to avoid pressure points and injuries. If in doubt; chat to your podiatrist about the best shoe for your feet (remembering everyone’s feet are different!)

Sock Choice:
Use clean white socks or stockings without rough seams. When removing the socks at the end of the day, turn them inside out to see if there is any discolouration or blood, which would alert you that you have broken skin on your feet.
Avoid tight socks or stockings to ensure proper blood circulation.

Protection from Heat

Temperature Control:
Keep your feet away from direct heat sources such as heaters, hot water bottles, and electric blankets. Diabetic neuropathy can reduce sensation, increasing the risk of burns or chilblains etc.

Prompt Medical Attention

Early Intervention:
If you notice any changes or problems with your feet, such as new wounds, infections, or unusual pain, seek medical advice immediately. Early treatment can prevent minor issues from becoming severe complications.

Education and Support

Patient Education:
Understanding how to care for your feet is crucial. At The Foot Stop, we provide educational resources and support to help you manage your foot health effectively.

Guidance:
Our team offers ongoing guidance on daily foot care routines, proper footwear, and how to recognise early signs of complications.