The Vital Role of Diabetic Foot Management
Partnering with your Podiatrist for better health
Diabetes is a chronic condition that requires vigilant management to prevent complications. One often overlooked aspect of diabetes care is the health of the feet. Diabetic foot problems can escalate quickly and lead to serious consequences if not addressed promptly. Approximately 15% of all people with Diabetes will develop an ulcer during their lifetime. Furthermore, between 0.03% and 1.5% of people with Diabetes will require a foot amputation due to complications of ulcers or infection.
Understanding Diabetic Foot Complications:
Diabetes can cause nerve damage (neuropathy) and poor blood circulation (peripheral vascular disease), especially in the lower extremities. These complications can lead to various foot problems, including:
Neuropathic ulcers: Nerve damage can result in loss of sensation, making individuals less likely to notice injuries or sores on their feet. Left untreated, these ulcers can become infected and lead to severe complications, including amputation.
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD): Diabetes can cause blockages in the arteries, reducing blood flow to the feet. This can result in slow-healing wounds, tissue death (gangrene), and increased risk of infections.
Charcot foot: This condition involves the weakening of the bones in the foot, leading to fractures and deformities. It often occurs in individuals with diabetic neuropathy.
Fungal infections: Diabetes can make individuals more susceptible to fungal infections like athlete's foot and toenail fungus, which can be challenging to treat without proper care.
The Importance of Podiatric Care:
Podiatrists are trained to diagnose, treat, and prevent foot conditions, particularly those associated with diabetes. Here's why partnering with a podiatrist is crucial for diabetic foot management:
Early Detection: Regular foot exams by a podiatrist can help detect issues like neuropathy, circulation problems, and foot deformities in their early stages, allowing for prompt intervention and preventing complications.
Wound Care: Podiatrists are skilled in managing diabetic foot ulcers and other wounds. They can provide specialised treatments, such as debridement (removal of dead tissue), wound dressings, and offloading techniques to relieve pressure on affected areas.
Custom Orthotics: Podiatrists can prescribe custom orthotic devices to redistribute pressure, improve foot alignment, and prevent ulcers and deformities. These orthotics are tailored to individual foot shapes and needs.
Patient Education: Podiatrists play a vital role in educating patients about proper foot care techniques, including daily inspection, moisturising, nail trimming and footwear selection. They also advise on lifestyle modifications, such as maintaining optimal blood sugar levels and quitting smoking to reduce the risk of foot complications.
Collaborative Care: Podiatrists work closely with other healthcare providers, such as GPs and Specialists. This multidisciplinary approach ensures that all aspects of the patient's health are addressed effectively.
Diabetic foot management is a critical component of diabetes care that should not be overlooked. By partnering with a podiatrist, individuals with diabetes can receive specialised care to prevent and treat foot complications, ultimately improving their quality of life and reducing the risk of serious outcomes like amputation. Regular foot exams, proper foot care practices and proactive intervention are essential for maintaining healthy feet and overall well-being in diabetes management.
