Diabetes Foot Care in Canberra
How diabetes can affect your feet
Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are complex conditions that can affect many parts of the body, including the feet. Over time, changes in blood glucose levels can affect circulation, nerve function and the health of the skin, nails, muscles and joints.
This can increase the risk of foot problems, including:
Reduced circulation and slower healing
Reduced or altered nerve sensation
Changes to skin and nail health
Joint stiffness
Reduced muscle strength
These changes can increase the risk of complications such as infections, ulcers and other foot problems. A diabetes foot risk assessment, sometimes also called a neurovascular assessment, looks at a range of factors that can affect foot health and helps determine your individual level of risk.
How often should a diabetes foot risk assessment be performed?
Most people with diabetes should have a foot risk assessment at least annually. If additional risk factors are identified, assessments may be recommended every 3–6 months, depending on your individual foot health. Some people also attend more regularly for ongoing podiatry care, including skin and nail treatment, orthotic therapy, footwear advice, and the management of foot or lower-limb pain.
Podiatrists can help identify and reduce your risk of foot complications
What happens during a diabetes foot risk assessment?
We ask about your diabetes, general health and any symptoms that may suggest changes to nerve function or circulation.
A visual check is performed for skin and toenail concerns, as well as signs that may suggest circulatory changes.
Foot reflexes, deep nerve function and sensory nerve function are assessed to identify any changes in sensation.
Foot pulses are checked and arterial blood flow is assessed using Doppler ultrasound and ankle brachial index testing. Toe pressure analysis is also available where required for improved validity of the circulation assessment.
We assess joint range of motion, foot shape, walking posture and other factors that may increase pressure or affect foot function.
We discuss the findings with you and explain your level of foot risk, along with any recommended treatment, monitoring or follow-up.
We discuss the findings with you and explain your level of foot risk, along with any recommended treatment, monitoring or follow-up.
We provide practical advice on what you can do at home to help reduce the risk of diabetes-related foot complications.
If you attend with a referral from your GP, the results of your assessment can be sent back to their medical practice. Additional reports can also be forwarded to other specialists or health professionals as requested.
How can a podiatrist help someone with diabetes and other chronic illnesses:
Perform a diabetes foot risk assessment to determine your level of risk and how often ongoing podiatry care may be required
Assess and diagnose foot and lower-limb conditions that may be associated with diabetes or other chronic health conditions
Provide ongoing skin and toenail care to help reduce pressure, irritation and the risk of wounds
Provide orthotic therapy where appropriate to help manage pain and redistribute pressure
Provide advice on foot self-care, footwear and ways to reduce the risk of foot complications
Assess and manage wounds, including monitoring healing and reducing pressure around affected areas
Work collaboratively with your GP, diabetes educator and other health professionals to support the safe and effective management of your Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes