Get more information on how you can care for your diabetic feet. Have your feet checked at least
Ray Nguyen
April 8, 2023
Although not all, many diabetics are known to encounter foot problems. Diabetes related foot problems include the possibility of losing a toe, foot, or even the entire leg. But diabetic feet risks can be lessened by getting proper foot care, managing blood sugar levels, and coming in for regular checkups.
But before we discuss early diabetes feet or diabetic foot care, allow us to talk to you about the causing disease first.
Diabetes is a condition where the amount of glucose (sugar) in the bloodstream is too high because the body is unable to break it down and convert into energy. The two most common types of diabetes are:
Type 1 - Usually diagnosed in children and young adults. This type requires a person to administer daily insulin injections.
Type 2 - This is the most common type which generally affects people over the age of 40. Medication and/or insulin may be required if lifestyle changes or antidiabetic drugs don’t work to maintain targeted blood glucose levels.
Poorly controlled diabetes for a long period of time can cause the following complications:
Nerve damage (Peripheral Neuropathy) - This reduces the feeling in the feet which could possibly lead to injuries/wounds going unnoticed
Poor Circulation (Peripheral Vascular Disease) - This increases the time it takes for a person’s wounds or infections to heal.
If you have diabetes, you need to talk to your physician as soon as you notice any of the following symptoms:
Can diabetes feet be cured? Sadly, there’s currently no cure available for diabetic neuropathy. However, you can significantly slow the progression of the disease. Your physician will likely give you pain medications to help relieve your discomfort and prevent the condition from worsening.
If you notice any of the signs above, don’t wait and schedule a consultation at your preferred podiatry clinic right away to avoid any complications. Remember, when it comes to diabetic feet, it’s always better to be a day early than a day late.
Here are some tips you can follow to limit the damage inflicted by diabetic feet:
An annual checkup with a podiatrist in Marrickville should help detect any changes in your body earlier, making them much easier to manage. A care plan can then be tailored to your needs depending on the results. Talk to us to schedule a consultation today!
Podiatry is a branch of medicine that deals with diagnosing and treating disorders of the feet and lower limbs. A podiatrist (also known as a chiropodist) is a healthcare professional who specialises in this field. Podiatry is a relatively new branch of medicine, only emerging as a distinct profession in the early 20th century. However, the field has grown rapidly in recent years, owing to increasing awareness of the importance of foot health. Today, podiatrists play an important role in keeping people mobile and active. They often treat conditions such as bunions, heel pain, ingrown toenails and Achilles tendonitis. In addition, they can provide advice on footwear and foot care for people with diabetes or other medical conditions that put them at risk of foot problems.
Dry needling is a type of therapy that involves inserting thin needles into the skin and muscles. The needles are usually made of stainless steel and are very thin, so they cause minimal pain when inserted. However, some people report feeling a brief, sharp pain when the needle enters the skin. There are several theories as to why dry needling causes this pain. One theory is that the needles stimulate nerve endings in the skin and muscles, which triggers a pain response. Another theory is that dry needling causes a release of chemicals called cytokines, which can increase pain sensitivity. It’s important to note that while dry needling may cause some discomfort, it is generally not considered painful. Many people find relief from their chronic pain after undergoing dry needling therapy.
A syndesmosis injury is a serious condition that can occur when the bones in the ankle joint are not properly aligned. This can happen when the foot is planted awkwardly, or the ankle is twisted. If not treated properly, a syndesmosis injury can lead to long-term problems. There are two main types of syndesmosis injuries: anterolateral and posterior. Anterolateral injuries are more common when the foot is planted awkwardly on an uneven surface. Posterior injuries are less common and occur when the ankle is twisted. If you think you have a syndesmosis injury, it is important to see a doctor right away. Treatment will vary depending on the severity of the injury but may include rest, ice, elevation, and immobilization. Surgery may also be necessary in some cases.