foot Condition
Diabetic Foot
A Diabetic Foot is a long-term complication of Diabetes Mellitus and can include several characteristics including infection, a diabetic foot ulcer and neuropathic osteoarthropathy. As this disease progresses it also affects the lower limbs by damaging the nerves and/or arteries. It is thus very important to keep an eye on one’s feet, to prevent any ulcer formation due to unknown abrasions, cuts or breakdown beneath callused skin. A comprehensive foot check along with any necessary treatment is offered in our foot clinic. If required, we will liaise with your GP regarding any additional or onward management e.g. antibiotics.
Diabetic Foot is caused by Diabetes which has progressed and affected the lower limbs due to damaged nerves and/or arteries. It is thus very important to keep an eye on one’s feet, to prevent any ulcer formation due to unknown abrasions, cuts or breakdown beneath callused skin.
Over time diabetes can cause numbness in the feet. This can make it hard for people with diabetes to feel sensations in their extremities so if you suffer from this disease checking your feet regularly is essential, and keeping feet healthy is critical while being vigilant about foot hygiene.
For those with diabetes, we recommend you take the following steps:
Wash the feet daily: Keep the feet clean to prevent infections.
Wear supportive shoes and socks: Protect the feet in socks and shoes at all times. A podiatrist may recommend special shoes to help prevent deformities. Do not apply socks so tightly that they restrict blood flow.
Promote blood flow to the feet: Put the feet up when sitting and get enough exercise. These actions help promote healthy blood flow to the feet.
Trim nails carefully: Trim toenails straight across and keep them short. Rounded nails can grow inward, leading to infection and ingrowing toenails.
Care for corns and bunions: Treat corns and bunions carefully.
Protect feet from extreme temperatures: Exposure to extreme hot and cold can damage the feet of people with diabetes.
Control blood sugar: Uncontrolled blood sugars increase the risk of podiatric complications from diabetes.
Avoid smoking: Smoking adversely affects blood flow to the tissues, which can make foot problems worse in people with diabetes.
Why have your Diabetic Foot treated at Perfect Skin Solutions?
Nishal Patel previously sub-specialised in diabetic foot care within the NHS and is very well equipped to deal with this condition and its potential complications. Thorough attention to the feet in those with diabetes can literally be limb-saving.
Nishal was previously a specialist within the diabetic foot team at Kingston Hospital. She has the knowledge to manage ulcerative wounds, assess the changing diabetic foot and offer diabetic foot health knowledge.
A comprehensive foot check along with any necessary treatment is offered in our foot clinic. If required, we will liaise with your GP regarding any additional or onward management such as antibiotics.
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