Diabetes and Your Feet
Have you wondered about the connection between diabetes and your feet? In light of it being National Diabetes week (14th-20thJuly 2019) we thought it would be a good time to discuss that connection. Having diabetes may increase your risk of developing diabetes related-complications that include nerve damage called ‘peripheral neuropathy’ or poor circulation in your feet called ‘peripheral vascular disease’. Nerve damage may affect how you feel pressure or pain and may lead to numbness in your toes or feet. Changes to your circulation may delay your ability to heal any cuts or sores. This may also increase your risk of developing ulcers that may even lead to amputations.
Feet are often the first place to show such diabetic-related symptoms. This is why it is so important to pay attention to any changes in your feet. Some of the signs to look out for are cold feet, numbness, sharp pains in your legs after walking, pins and needles, or any changes in foot colour, such as redder skin. Also keep an eye out for any nail changes, corns, calluses, cracked or dry skin.
A regular Diabetes assessment from your podiatrist every 6-12 months can help detect these changes and prevent further complications. At the WalkingClinic we provide a full Diabetes Assessment that includes vascular testing with a doppler ultrasound, neurological testing, muscle strength tests, skin and nail assessment along with footwear advice and recommendations on further foot care.
If it’s been a while since you last had a Diabetes assessment or if you have noticed some changes in your feet since you were last assessed book an appointment at the walking clinic to have your feet checked.
Below are also a list of useful links for further information on Diabetes and foot care:
Diabetes Australia
https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/foot-care
Diabetic Foot Australia
https://www.diabeticfootaustralia.org/for-patients/
Check This Out!
Matt Richardson, our podiatrist from The Walking Clinic Woden caught up with Elise, a Touch Australia and Touch ACT representative player. They discuss how the team of podiatrists at The Walking Clinic can keep her and touch football playing at their best.
NAIDOC WEEK
Our podiatrists Matt, Alex, and Kevin were kept very busy strapping and making sure everyone stayed injury free at the Touch Football ACT NAIDOC day.
