Common issues with feet and legs
High blood glucose as a result of diabetes can cause two problems with feet:
- Nerve damage in the legs and feet causing a lack of feeling or sensation – you may not feel pain, heat or cold in your legs and feet. As a result you might not notice sores or cuts, increasing the risk of it worsening or leading to an infection. This lack of feeling caused by nerve damage, is also called diabetic neuropathy.
- Poor blood flow to the legs and feet. Poor blood flow makes it hard for a sore or infection to heal. This problem is called peripheral vascular disease, also called PVD. Smoking when you have diabetes makes blood flow problems much worse.
Our Service
Diabetes patients are strongly advised to carefully inspect their feet regularly and attend a Podiatrist atleast once a year. Our service is designed to educate people on regular and proper foot care in order to avoid serious complications over time.
Podiatry review consists of:
- Dermatological Examination
- Musculo/Skeletal Assessment
- Neurological Examination
- Vascular Assessment
- Foot Care Education – expert advice on how to inspect your feet and the signs to look out for
- Footwear Advice/Custom – Made Shoes / Orthotics all available
- Personalised treatment and management plan
Importantly, follow-up care forms part of our service. Where the need for further referral is necessary, for example to Cardiology or Orthopaedics, we offer direct access to a wide range of expert specialists at the Mater Private Hospital.