Diabetic Foot Care
Diabetes can severely affect both the nerves and circulation in your body — especially in the extremities like your feet. This can lead to peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage) and poor circulation (ischemia or Peripheral Artery Disease – PAD). These changes significantly increase the risk of unnoticed injuries, slow healing, and serious foot problems, such as ulcers that, if untreated, may lead to amputation.
At Footsteps Treatment Clinic, our HCPC-registered, experienced podiatrists specialise in identifying these risks early and providing personalised care to help you maintain healthy feet and prevent complications.
How Diabetes Affects Your Feet
Nerve Damage (Peripheral Neuropathy)
- High blood sugar can damage small blood vessels that supply nutrients to your foot nerves.
- This damage may cause loss of sensation, so you might not feel injuries, blisters, or pressure points.
- You may also experience altered sensations such as tingling, burning, or sharp pain, often worse at night.
Poor Circulation
- Diabetes can harm blood vessels, causing reduced blood flow to your feet and legs.
- Poor circulation means that even small cuts or sores may take much longer to heal.
- This combination of lost feeling and slowed healing significantly raises the risk of infections and ulcers.
Why Podiatrists Focus on Nerve and Circulation Health
Podiatrists specialise in the peripheral nerves and circulation:
- Using tools like the Huntleigh Doppler, we check the blood flow in your feet by listening to your pulses.
- We perform neurological tests to check your nerve function and sensation.
- These assessments allow us to categorise your risk of foot complications.
- Based on this, we provide tailored advice on foot care and footwear, treat existing conditions like corns or calluses, and offer preventive support.
Advice and Monitoring
We aim to detect early signs of foot issues and provide tailored guidance on foot care, suitable footwear, and injury prevention.
Communication with Your GP
If we identify any concerns, we’ll communicate directly with your GP or diabetes care team to ensure you receive the appropriate medical support.
Why Regular Diabetic Foot Care Matters
Because diabetes affects both nerves and circulation, people with diabetes face higher risks of:
- Loss of sensation leading to unnoticed injuries
- Poor blood flow slowing wound healing
- Increased chances of infection and ulcers
- Severe complications including potential amputation
Regular assessments and timely treatment by podiatrists help prevent these complications, ensuring your feet stay healthy and pain-free.
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