When you live with diabetes, looking after your feet becomes an important part of your overall health routine.
This is because diabetes can affect both the nerves and blood flow in the feet. These changes can happen gradually, and in the early stages, you may not notice anything obvious. That is why regular foot checks are so important, even when your feet feel fine.
At The Foot Stop, our podiatrists help people with diabetes understand their foot health, monitor changes and reduce the risk of small problems becoming more serious.
How diabetes can affect the nerves in your feet
Diabetes can sometimes lead to nerve changes in the feet, often referred to as peripheral neuropathy. This may affect how well you feel pain, pressure, temperature or injury.
Some people notice symptoms such as tingling, burning, numbness, pins and needles or unusual sensitivity. Others may not feel much at all, which can make it harder to notice cuts, blisters, pressure marks or wounds.
This is one of the biggest reasons diabetic foot care matters. A small blister from a shoe, a cracked heel, an ingrown toenail or a tiny cut may not feel painful at first, but it still needs attention.
How circulation changes can affect diabetic feet
Good blood flow helps bring oxygen and nutrients to the feet, supporting healthy skin and healing. When circulation is reduced, the feet may take longer to heal after injury.
Poor circulation may also increase the risk of skin breakdown, infection and ulcers, especially when combined with reduced sensation.
Signs of circulation changes may include cold feet, colour changes, slow healing, shiny skin, reduced hair growth on the legs or feet, cramping in the legs when walking or wounds that do not seem to improve.
Why nerve and circulation changes are a concern together
Nerve changes and circulation changes can become more concerning when they happen at the same time.
For example, reduced sensation may mean you do not notice a sore spot or injury. Reduced circulation may then make it harder for that area to heal properly.
This is why regular diabetic foot assessments are recommended. A podiatrist can check your skin, nails, circulation, sensation, footwear and pressure areas to help identify concerns early.
What a diabetic foot assessment may include
A diabetic foot assessment is designed to give a clearer picture of your current foot health and risk level.
During an appointment, your podiatrist may check:
- Skin condition and any areas of dryness, cracking or pressure
- Nail health, including thickened, ingrown or difficult to manage toenails
- Foot sensation and nerve response
- Circulation and blood flow indicators
- Footwear fit and pressure points
- Changes in foot shape, posture or walking pattern
- Any wounds, blisters, corns or calluses
The goal is to find issues early, provide practical advice and help you feel more confident caring for your feet day to day.
Simple signs you should not ignore
If you have diabetes, it is worth booking a podiatry appointment if you notice:
- A cut, blister or wound that is slow to heal
- New numbness, tingling, burning or pins and needles
- Changes in skin colour or temperature
- Swelling in one or both feet
- Thickened, painful or ingrown toenails
- Cracked heels or dry skin that keeps splitting
- Corns, calluses or pressure areas
- Pain when walking or cramping in the legs
Even small changes are worth checking. Early care can make a big difference.
How The Foot Stop can help
The Foot Stop provides diabetic foot care for patients across the Gold Coast, including in-clinic appointments and mobile podiatry services for eligible patients.
Our podiatrists can assist with routine foot checks, nail and skin care, diabetic foot assessments, footwear advice and ongoing monitoring.
Whether you have noticed a change or simply want peace of mind, booking a diabetic foot check can help you stay on top of your foot health.
To learn more, visit our Diabetic Foot Care page or request an appointment with The Foot Stop.