When living with diabetes, looking after your feet is an important part of maintaining your overall health and wellbeing. Diabetes can affect circulation and sensation in your feet, meaning small issues can sometimes go unnoticed and develop into more serious problems.
Fortunately, most diabetes-related foot complications are preventable. With regular foot assessments, good daily foot care habits, and professional podiatry support from our family-friendly team, you can reduce your risk and keep your feet healthy, comfortable, and moving well.
Why diabetes affects your feet
Diabetes can affect your feet in several ways, with the most common being changes to circulation and nerve function.
Reduced circulation
Over time, high blood glucose levels can affect the blood vessels that supply your feet. Reduced circulation means cuts, blisters, and other injuries may take longer to heal, increasing the risk of infection.
Nerve damage (Peripheral Neuropathy)
Diabetes can also affect the nerves in your feet, reducing your ability to feel pain, temperature, or injury. This means a small cut, blister, or pressure area may go unnoticed and worsen over time.
While these complications can sound concerning, regular monitoring and early intervention can make a significant difference.
Why regular diabetic foot assessments are important
One of the most important things you can do for your foot health is to have regular diabetic foot assessments.
Not everyone with diabetes has the same level of risk. A podiatrist can assess your individual needs and identify any early warning signs before they become larger problems.
During a diabetic foot assessment, we may evaluate:
- Circulation and blood flow
- Nerve function and sensation
- Foot structure and biomechanics
- Skin and nail health
- Footwear suitability
- Previous foot injuries or ulcer history
Based on your results, we can recommend how often your feet should be reviewed and provide advice tailored to your situation.
Regular assessments provide peace of mind and help ensure any concerns are identified as early as possible.
5 simple daily foot care habits
Looking after your feet doesn’t have to be complicated. A few simple habits can go a long way towards protecting your foot health.
1. Check Your Feet Every Day
Take a moment each day to look for:
- Cuts or scratches
- Blisters
- Redness
- Swelling
- Cracked skin
- Changes in skin colour
If you have difficulty seeing the bottom of your feet, use a mirror or ask a family member for assistance.
2. Wash and dry your feet carefully
Wash your feet daily using warm water and mild soap. Be sure to dry them thoroughly, particularly between the toes, where excess moisture can contribute to fungal infections.
3. Moisturise dry skin
Keeping your skin hydrated can help prevent cracking and irritation. Apply moisturiser to dry areas of your feet, but avoid applying cream between the toes.
4. Wear supportive footwear
Well-fitting, supportive shoes help protect your feet from injury and reduce pressure on vulnerable areas. Avoid walking barefoot, even indoors, as this increases the risk of cuts and other injuries.
5. Care for your toenails
Trim toenails straight across and avoid cutting them too short. If you find it difficult to reach your feet or have reduced sensation, professional nail care from a podiatrist may be a safer option.
The signs you shouldn’t ignore
It’s important to seek prompt attention if you notice:
- A cut, blister, or wound that isn’t healing
- Redness, swelling, or warmth
- Changes in skin colour
- Numbness or tingling
- Loss of sensation
- Foot or leg pain
- Ingrown toenails
- Signs of infection
- New corns, calluses, or pressure areas
The earlier a problem is identified, the easier it is to manage.
The benefits of regular podiatry care
Many people are surprised by how much preventative podiatry care can help reduce the risk of diabetes-related foot complications.
Regular podiatry appointments allow us to:
- Monitor circulation and nerve function
- Assess changes in foot health over time
- Safely manage corns and calluses
- Provide nail care
- Review footwear
- Identify pressure areas
- Help prevent ulcers and infections
Our goal is not only to treat existing issues but to help you maintain healthy feet and stay active for as long as possible.
Medicare and diabetes foot care
Depending on your individual circumstances, you may be eligible for podiatry services through a Chronic Condition Management Plan arranged by your GP.
If you’re unsure whether you qualify, speak with your doctor or contact our team and we’ll be happy to point you in the right direction.
How Sanders Podiatry can help
At Sanders Podiatry, we understand that managing diabetes can sometimes feel overwhelming. That’s why we take a practical, supportive approach to diabetic foot care.
We provide comprehensive diabetic foot assessments, routine foot care, footwear advice, and ongoing monitoring to help reduce the risk of ulcers, infection, and other complications.
Whether you’ve recently been diagnosed with diabetes or have been managing it for many years, we’re here to help you look after your feet with confidence.
If you’d like to book a diabetic foot assessment or discuss any concerns about your foot health, contact our friendly team today at one of our three clinics below in Mount Barker, Linden Park, or Stirling Adelaide Hills.
Sander Podiatry Adelaide – 08 8379 1456 (Greenhill Podiatry)