Diabetes Assessment
Nerves
Nerves can be damaged if you have too much sugar in the blood. If the nerves are damaged, they will not work properly.
This could lead to:
- Decreased feeling in your feet
- Loss of pain sensation in your feet
- Hot, tingling, painful feet
Circulation
Too much sugar in the blood can damage and clog the vessels that carry blood to the feet. Smoking makes this worse.
These changes often cause:
- Slow healing
- Increased risk of infection
- Cold feet
- Painful cramps
What Sort of Foot Problems Could Diabetes Cause In My Feet
If you do not look after your diabetes and keep your sugar level under control, there are many changes that occur in your feet including:
- Dry Skin – Dry skin tends to occur about the heels and often leads to cracks that could become infected.
- Changes to Foot Chape – The nerves work the muscles, and make muscles work the joints. Therefore, if you have nerve changes you may notice changes in the shape of your feet.
- Changes in Feeling in the Feet – If you develop nerve damage in your feet you may not be able to feel when things happen to them.
For example, you may not be able to feel a pin stuck in the bottom of your foot!!! Loss of feeling is a problem because if you cannot feel damage to your feet, you will not do anything to fix the damage! If you have nerve damage you may even develop a painful, burning feeling in your feet. See your Podiatrist or GP if you notice any changes to the feeling in your feet.
- Foot Infections – Diabetes tends to increase your risk of developing infections if you damage the skin on your feet. Infections can be caused by bacteria or fungus (tinea and fungal nails). Any infections need to be reviewed by your Podiatrist or GP as soon as you notice them.
Foot Ulcers
An ulcer is a wound that takes longer than usual to heal. Foot ulcers usually occur when there is too much pressure on one part of the foot or when your circulation is reduced to part of the foot. Foot ulcers may or may not be painful. If you notice any wounds on your feet that are not healing, you must see your Podiatrist or GP immediately.
AMPUTATION
Part of the foot may need to be amputated if a foot ulcer becomes badly infected. The best way to prevent amputations is to see your doctor or podiatrist immediately if you notice a problem.
How Can I Look After My Feet?
There are 6 steps to take to make sure you reduce your risk of foot problems.
Step 1: Control Your Diabetes
Try to keep good control of your diabetes. This will reduce your risk of nerve and blood vessel damage.
Step 2: Look at Your Feet Daily
If you can’t feel your feet, how will you know if something is wrong with them? Check your feet morning and night. Use a mirror or ask for help if you cannot reach your feet.
Step 3: Look After Your Feet
Keep your feet clean, apply a moisturising cream to the heels, and dry well between the toes every day.
Step 4: Look After Your Toenails
Cut your toenails as recommended or have your podiatrist do this for you.
Step 5: Wear the Right Shoes
Your shoes need to fit the shape of your foot and be appropriate for the types of activities you are doing. Ask your Podiatrist to check your shoes regularly.
Step 6: Have a Regular Check-Up
Your feet should be checked by your Podiatrist at least once every 6 months regarding your diabetes. Ask for an assessment if you have not had your diabetes foot review this year.
If you’d like to learn more about how we can help you with Diabetes Assessment, please feel free to contact us on 08 7120 6063 or Book Online through our website. We look forward to seeing you at Leading Edge Podiatry (formerly Complete Podiatry Blackwood)!!
FAQ's
You don't usually need a referral from a doctor to see a podiatrist. However, DVA/NDIS, Workcover& Medicare Chronic Disease Programme patients will need documentation before their initial appointment.
NDIS patients who are on a managed plan we will need to know your Plan Manager's contact details and approval for assessment.
Workcover patients we will require case manager details and approval details for assessment.
Medicare Chronic Disease Patients (e.g. Diabetes, Heart Disease), we will require an EPC referral form.
DVA patients will need a DVA patient referral. D904 form from your GP.
Please call us on 7120 6063 for further information.
Health Insurance: Podiatry comes under “Extras cover”. Private health insurance can vary from one health fund to the next. Before booking your appointment it’s always good to check your health fund policy to determine how much cover you will receive from your private health insurer. Leading Edge Podiatry is a Bupa Members First provider.
Medicare: If you have a chronic medical condition, you may be eligible for a Medicare rebate to cover some of podiatry services under a Chronic disease management plan. Common chronic conditions include: Diabetes, High Cholesterol, High Blood pressure & Heart Disease.
Please note: Medicare appointments are NOT bulk billed.
NDIS: Patients that are on a managed plan we will need your NDIS number and details of your case manager and account details. For plan managed we prepare a Service Agreement and can invoice the plan manager.
DVA: You may be able to receive podiatry services if you have a Veteran Gold or are approved for specified foot conditions as DVA White Card.
We understand that life is unpredictable and you may not always be able to make your scheduled appointment. If you are unable to make an appointment please contact our reception at least 24 hours prior to cancel or arrange for another time. Please call us on 7120 6063 or email: admin@leadingedgepodiatry.com.au
Missed appointments and appointments cancelled without 24 hours notice may be charged a consultation fee.
Your private health fund card (if applicable). Any relevant medical records, test results, x-rays, MRI scans, or ultrasounds. A list of your current medications (if you have not filled in the new patient form before arrival). Any previous orthotics or insoles and a couple of pairs of shoes if you are suffering from foot pain.
Podiatrists are experts in foot and ankle health. They are healthcare professionals who can diagnose and treat problems relating to your feet and lower limbs. They can also work with you to relieve pain, correct deformities, sporting injuries, help prevent foot conditions from occurring, as well as keep you active and mobile throughout your life.
Podiatrists play a key role in the early detection and treatment of foot problems in people with diabetes. Neuropathy (nerve damage), arthropathy (joint damage), vasculopathy (blood vessel damage), and other complications, most of which can be avoided or delayed with annual foot exams and treatment.
Yes, our podiatrist Jason Kuang is endorsed for schedule medicines. He can prescribe medicines for common foot ailments e.g.: antibiotics, antifungal, gout medications.
We do treat children of all ages, if your child is experiencing pain in their ankles or feet, it's a sign that you need to see a podiatrist. Pain isn't a normal sign of growth and it should be professionally assessed, diagnosed, and treated where necessary. Our podiatrists are very experienced in helping young children with feet issues.
At Leading Edge Podiatry, we have a limited footwear selection, including brands like Archies thongs and slides, Revere sandals.
Case Studies
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