Living with diabetes affects more than just your blood sugar levels — it can have a big impact on your feet. Many people search for help with “diabetic and foot pain”, and often the best place to start is with a diabetic podiatrist.
A podiatrist trained in diabetic care understands how diabetes influences circulation, nerve health, and healing. Regular visits can help you stay on top of potential issues and keep you moving comfortably.
Why Diabetes Affects Your Feet
Diabetes can cause changes in two main areas:
- Circulation (blood flow): Reduced blood flow makes it harder for your feet to heal if you get a cut, blister, or sore.
- Nerve health (sensation): High blood sugar can damage nerves, a condition called peripheral neuropathy. This may cause tingling, numbness, or burning pain in your feet — or in some cases, no feeling at all.
Together, these changes increase the risk of ulcers, infections, and foot pain. That’s why having a diabetic podiatrist as part of your care team is so valuable.
Common Types of Diabetic Foot Pain
If you’re living with diabetes and foot pain, you might experience:
- Burning or tingling: Often linked to nerve damage.
- Sharp or shooting pain: Can be a sign of neuropathy.
- Aches or cramps: Sometimes due to reduced circulation.
- Soreness from skin/nail problems: Thickened toenails, corns, or calluses can become painful if not managed properly.
It’s important not to ignore any changes in your feet. Even a small sore or blister can turn into something more serious if left untreated.
How a Diabetic Podiatrist Can Help
Seeing a podiatrist regularly can make a real difference in preventing and managing foot problems. At The Foot Stop, our podiatrists provide:
- Foot assessments to check circulation and nerve sensation.
- Nail and skin care to reduce the risk of ingrown nails, corns, and calluses becoming painful or infected.
- Monitoring for early warning signs such as changes in skin colour, wounds that don’t heal, or loss of feeling.
- Education on how to check your own feet daily and spot issues early.
When to See a Diabetic Podiatrist
If you notice:
- Persistent foot pain such as burning, tingling, or numbness
- Wounds that are slow to heal
- Changes in skin colour or temperature
- Ingrown toenails or infections
…it’s important to book an appointment with a diabetic podiatrist as soon as possible.