Diabetic Foot Management

Diabetes can lead to decreased sensation and reduced blood supply in your feet, resulting in poor circulation. Therefore, it is important to have a six-monthly or annual foot assessment by a podiatrist to help detect any early changes in your feet before they become a problem. The team at St Ives Podiatry Centre can help by providing diabetes-specific foot assessments.

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A diabetes assessment completed by our podiatrists involves a neurological examination, which includes testing sensation, vibration and joint position sense. A vascular examination is also completed, which includes checking the foot pulses. The podiatrist also examines the skin for dryness, lesions or other breaks in the skin and looks for general foot conditions that could cause problems.

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Education is provided by the podiatrist on the effects of diabetes on foot health, identification of foot-related risk factors, and advice on appropriate footwear.

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Foot Care Advice for People with Diabetes

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• Wash your feet daily in warm water using a mild soap, and gently dry them thoroughly.

• Moisturise your feet daily to prevent the skin from becoming dry and the heels from cracking.

• Inspect your feet daily for any redness, blisters, ulcers or swelling. Seek advice from a podiatrist or medical practitioner if blisters or injuries do not heal promptly.

• Foot ulcers should be assessed and treated urgently, ideally within 24 hours, especially if there is redness or swelling around the area.

• Wear shoes that fit properly and are appropriate for the activity. Poorly fitting shoes can cause corns and calluses, ulcers and nail problems.

• Have any corns and hard skin on your feet treated as soon as possible.

• Visit a podiatrist at least once a year; six-monthly assessments are preferable.