Stepping Ahead: How Podiatrists Care for Diabetic Patients

Controlling diabetes is a complex task, and a key element is maintaining the health of the feet. Podiatrists are essential in the care of diabetic individuals, making sure their feet stay in good condition and are free from complications. In this blog, we'll delve into the ways podiatrists look after diabetic patients, explaining the evaluations they carry out and the important signs they keep an eye on.

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The Importance of Podiatrists in Managing Diabetes

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Podiatrists are experts in the medical field who identify and manage issues related to the foot, ankle, and lower parts of the body. For individuals with diabetes, it's crucial to see a podiatrist frequently because they face a higher chance of developing foot problems, like nerve damage, inadequate blood flow, and infections. These issues can result in severe outcomes, including the need for amputation.

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Initial Assessment: Establishing a Baseline

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When someone with diabetes comes to see a foot specialist, a detailed evaluation is carried out to set the foundation for ongoing treatment. This involves:

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• Review of Health Background: The specialist looks into the patient's complete health history, paying special attention to how diabetes is managed, blood sugar levels, and any past issues with the feet.

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• Examination of the feet: A complete check of the feet and lower parts of the legs is done. The specialist looks for:

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• Skin Health: Searching for dryness, fissures, calluses, corns, and fungal infections.

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• Nail Conditions: Inspecting nails for fungal infections, ingrown toenails, and other issues.

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• Structural Issues: Checking for conditions like bunions, hammertoes, and flat arches.

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• Neurological Evaluation: Diabetic nerve damage is a frequent problem. The podiatrist tests:

Sensation: Using a monofilament tool and vibration tests, to determine the level of nerve damage at the moment and whether anything needs to be raised with a doctor.

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• Vascular Check: Poor blood flow can make certain foot conditions worse. The podiatrist looks at:some text
  • Blood Flow: We use a doppler ultrasound machine to assess the flexibility of all pedal pulses within the feet (which includes the dorsalis pedis and posterior tibial arteries).

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• Capillary Refill Time: Watching how fast the toes regain blood flow after pressure is applied.

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• Toe pressure: A toe pressure is used to examine the blood flow traveling from your heart all the way down to your feet. It is a safe and effective way of assessing if there is any peripheral arterial disease and whether you have adequate healing potential.

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Ongoing Care: Routine Check-Ups and Monitoring

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Regular visits to a podiatrist are critical for diabetic patients. During these visits, the podiatrist performs routine check-ups and monitoring to catch any issues early.  These include:

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• Foot Inspection: A detailed inspection of the feet to identify any new or worsening conditions.

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• Sensation Testing: Regular monitoring of sensation to detect progression of neuropathy.

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• Circulation Checks: Continuous assessment of blood flow to the feet to ensure healing potential is adequate

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• Footwear Assessment: Evaluating the patient’s shoes for proper fit and support to prevent pressure points and ulcers from potentially occurring in the future.

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• Education: Providing guidance on daily foot care, proper footwear, and the importance of not walking barefoot.

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Preventive Measures and Treatment

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Preventive care is a cornerstone of podiatric treatment for diabetic patients. This can drastically improve one's foot health and even prevent serious interventions such as amputations from happening. This includes:

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• Debridement: Regular removal of calluses and corns to prevent long-term ulcer formation.

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• Wound Care: Treating any existing wounds or ulcers with specialised dressings to promote healing and prevent infection

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• Orthotics: Custom orthotic devices to correct biomechanical issues and redistribute pressure. This can also help prevent pressure points and ulcers forming throughout your feet.

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• Surgical Intervention: In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to correct deformities or remove severely damaged tissue.

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Warning Signs: What to Look For

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There are a couple of different signs and symptoms that diabetic patients and their caregivers can look out for that may suggest their feet need addressing, including:

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• Changes in Skin Colour: Redness, bruising, or darkened areas can indicate infections or poor blood flow.

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• Swelling: Persistent swelling may signal an underlying issue such as lymphedema.

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• Pain or Numbness: Any new pain, tingling, or numbness within the feet should be reported immediately, as this could be a sign of nerve damage.

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• Non-Healing Wounds: Sores or cuts that do not heal promptly can lead to severe infections, therefore these need to be treated by a podiatrist immediately.

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• Foul Odor: An unusual smell from a current wound may indicate an infection is present. Infections can lead to amputations if not looked after appropriately.

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For diabetic patients, preserving foot health is a critical component of overall disease management. Podiatrists provide essential care, from comprehensive assessments and routine monitoring, to preventative treatments and holistic patient education. 

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By working with a podiatrist, diabetic patients can step ahead with confidence, knowing their feet are in expert hands. Regular check-ups and excellent self-care are the keys to preventing complications and ensuring long-term health and mobility for years to come.

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If you or others have any troublesome feet that need attention, feel free to book an appointment with us on our website or over the phone on (03) 8358 9929

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