Your feet are at risk because diabetes can cause damage to the nerves in your feet, blood circulation and infection. Having diabetes can increase your risk of foot ulcers and amputations. This damage is more likely if: It’s important to check your feet every day. If you see any of the following- get medical treatment that *day * If you see any of the
following- get medical treatment within 7 days Poor blood glucose management can cause nerve damage to feet. Symptoms include: These symptoms can result in a loss of sensation in the feet which increases the risk of accidental damage because you can’t feel any pain. An injury to the feet can develop into an ulcer on the bottom of a foot which can penetrate to the bone. This could lead to infection of the bone (osteomyelitis) and a chronic infection in the bones and joints. If an infection isn’t treated at the earliest signs, this could result in ulceration (an infected open sore) and
eventually amputation (removal of a toe, foot or limb). See your podiatrist, doctor or Credentialled Diabetes Educator if you have any of these symptoms. Blood SupplyPoor blood glucose management can cause a reduced supply of blood to the feet. This makes people with diabetes more prone to infection following any injury that breaks the skin. Signs of poor blood supply include:
See your podiatrist, doctor or Credentialled Diabetes Educator if you have any of these symptoms. Checking your feetThere are two types of risk to feet, high risk and low risk. Knowing the risk and taking care of your feet can prevent serious problems like ulcers and amputation. A doctor, podiatrist or Credentialled Diabetes Educator can carry out an easy and painless check on your feet to determine whether your feet have a low or high risk of developing more serious problems. Low risk Low risk feet have normal sensation and good blood flow. However it is important to know that low risk feet can become high risk feet without symptoms, so regular checks are still as important. High risk People who have had a foot ulcer or amputation in the past have a high risk of complications. Feet with calluses or deformities like claw toes also have increased risk if poor feeling and/or decreased blood flow are also present. If your feet are at high risk, you should have them checked by your doctor or a podiatrist every 3 – 6 months. In some cases you may be referred to a specialist or high risk foot clinic. The check-up will include looking at the following:
People with diabetes who have misshapen feet and nerve damage are the more likely to develop:
Seek your podiatrist’s help to remove calluses or corns before they become ulcers as these can become infected, risking amputation. Caring for Your FeetIn addition to regular checks ups with a podiatrist you should also:
InjuriesIf you find an injury including a cut, blister, sore, red area or open crack, immediately:
If any injury does not improve within 24 hours, make an urgent appointment to see your doctor to avoid serious complications. Seek urgent medical advice for even the mildest foot infection, including any sore, open wound or crack which is oozing, contains pus or any type of discharge or which does not heal within a week. PodiatryPodiatry is a field of healthcare devoted to the study and treatment of disorders of the foot, ankle, and the knee, leg and hip, collectively known as the lower extremity. Some area health services and local councils offer subsidised podiatry services. Phone your local hospital, council or community health centre to find out more. Rebates
More informationFoot Forward is a National Diabetes Services Scheme program which provides information, education and support resources and activities for both people with diabetes and health professionals and health workers, to help support early identification, early referral, early and optimal treatment and prevention of diabetes-related foot problems and amputations. The Australian Podiatry Association in your state will help you to find a podiatrist with specialised knowledge about diabetes. A doctor can refer people with diabetes and serious foot problems (such as ulcers or neuropathy) to high risk foot clinics. Amputation information Limbs 4 Life promotes information and support to amputees and their families Toll free number 1300 782 231 |