Our Podiatry team is trained and experienced in performing thorough Diabetes Assessments and providing comprehensive reports to GP’s and Specialists. These regular assessments include testing blood flow, nerve responses, ulceration, and other risk factors.
Podiatry focus of diabetes foot care
Melbourne Foot Clinic has well trained and experienced staff in diabetic foot care. There are three main foot complications from diabetes we are concerned about.
- The first is nerve damage that can result in peripheral neuropathy. This can cause numbness or a loss of feeling in your feet, pins and needles, burning pains, and coldness in the lower limbs.
- The second concern is poor blood flow to your feet. This can lead to cramping after walking, pain in the feet while resting, cold feet and a reduced capacity to heel skin damage.
- The third concern is the increased risk of foot ulcers. When there is little or no feeling in your feet and you have reduced blood circulation, the risk of developing a foot ulcer from a minor skin problem or pressure point is high. Left untreated, ulcers can lead to infection and may result in amputation.
What is a Diabetes Assessment?
As part of the management of your diabetes condition, your podiatrist will recommend a formal diabetes assessment at least every 12 months, and more often if you have more significant foot problems with a higher risk of ulceration.
The Diabetes Assessment by a podiatrist includes a medical evaluation of your neurological, vascular, dermatological, and musculoskeletal systems.
In basic terms we are checking your nerves, blood supply, skin, and foot structure to reduce the chance of further foot problems, particularly ulcers.
Your podiatrist will make recommendations based on the results of the assessment. This may include advice regarding footwear advice, shoe modifications and orthotics to take pressure of any part of the foot that may be prone to ulceration.
This appointment will also include general skin and nail care aimed at prevention of foot problems and keeping you active.
We may also suggest:
- Silicone top props or interdigital devices to fit between your toes to reduce pressure or rubbing.
- Orthotics to redistribute pressure when walking.
- Shoe padding for pressure relief
- Products such has heel balm to prevent heels and feet from cracking.
I have diabetes, how do I care for my feet?
- Check your feet every day for possible changes. A long-handled mirror can help with this.
- Keep an eye out for any redness, swelling, cuts, pus, blisters, or splinters.
- Regular podiatry appointments for nail and skin care.
- Moisturise your feet to avoid getting cracked skin.
- Use heel balm with Urea as an active ingredient on dry and calloused skin.
- Never use an over-the-counter corn cure.
- Keep your feet away from direct contact with heater, hot water bottles and electric blankets.
- Avoid walking barefoot.
- Wear comfortable and well fitted shoes.
- Act quickly to see your podiatrist if you develop a foot concern to minimise any risk to your foot.
Local Melbourne suburbs we service
With a priority on keeping people healthy, Melbourne Foot Clinic provides a wide range of professional services for people across Melbourne’s East. Our patients travel from all over Victoria to see us at our foot clinic in Mont Albert, with most coming from the following locations:
Mont Albert Podiatrist
Mont Albert Podiatrist Near Box Hill
We use cutting edge technology and offer excellent services to many residents of Box Hill.
Mont Albert Podiatrist Near Surrey Hills
Our podiatrists are experts in providing biomechanics, orthotics, and foot pain for patients from Surrey Hills.
Mont Albert Podiatrist Near Camberwell
Our podiatrists are specialists in treating clients’ problems across Camberwell and Melbourne’s East.
Mont Albert Podiatrist Near Balwyn
Reputable podiatrists servicing the residents of Balwyn with outstanding results for years.
Ready to meet our amazing team of podiatrists?
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