Diabetes is becoming a major epidemic in Australia, placing a big challenge for Australia's health care system. Approximately 1.7 million Australians have diabetes, with 280 Australians developing diabetes everyday (that’s one person every 5 minutes) (Diabetes Australia, 2018).
Diabetes plays an important role in the health of your feet and if uncontrolled can cause a number of issues. Diabetes typically has two major problems that can affect your feet, neuropathy and peripheral arterial disease. Both play an important role in blood flow and nerve function.
It is estimated that there are more than 4,400 amputations every year in Australia as a result of diabetes.
Anyone who has been diagnosed with diabetes should be having a diabetes foot check at least every 12 months. This is a preventative measure, to empower you with education and advice, so that you know how best to prevent foot problems.
It is also extremely important for anyone who has a history of foot ulcers or amputations to have regular diabetes foot assessments.
What can you expect at your Diabetes Foot Assessment appointment?
One of our skilled podiatrists will take a thorough history to identify any factors that increase your risk of developing foot problems. All our testing is all pain free and non-invasive.
Below is a guide of each assessment and why each is being assessment is being conducted:
Vascular Assessment
This assessment consists of checking your blood flow down to your feet. This is where an accurate palpation of pedal pulses and a doppler assessment (mini ultrasound) are used.
Neurological Assessment
This assessment involves checking the function of your nerves. This is where we assess the feeling and protective sensation in your feet with the use of a vibrational tuning fork and a monofilament.
Dermatological Assessment
This is a thorough assessment of your nails and skin. This is where we identify common dermatological conditions including callus, corns or dermatitis of the skin.
Biomechanical Assessment
This allows us to identify any areas that pose a risk to developing foot complications such as your foot shape and structure such as bunions, hammer toes or claw toes.
Footwear & Sock Assessment
Assessing your shoes and socks can sound simple but it’s done poorly more often than not. We have clear guidelines for shoes and socks for those with diabetes.
Booking a Diabetes Foot Assessment and Education session will allow us to determine your level of risk of developing foot complications, and your podiatrist will be able to provide you with important education to keep you on the right track between your visits with us.
If you choose to enlist the skilled team at Undefeeted Podiatry for your diabetic foot care you will also receive a comprehensive report of all the results and suggestions and advice to take home with you.
