How Podiatrists Manage Diabetic Foot Complications?

13 June

Introduction

Diabetes can affect many parts of the body, but the feet are especially at risk. High blood sugar levels can cause nerve damage and poor blood flow, which makes it harder for wounds to heal. This is why diabetes and foot care must go hand in hand.

If you live with diabetes, keeping your feet healthy is essential. With proper diabetic foot care, you can avoid serious issues like infections or ulcers. A qualified diabetic foot podiatrist can help manage these risks and keep your feet in good shape.

Quick Stat: Up to 85% of diabetes-related amputations are preventable with early treatment and care.

Why Diabetes Affects the Feet

Diabetes can damage the nerves in your feet, a condition called peripheral neuropathy. This causes a loss of feeling, so you may not notice cuts, blisters, or pressure sores.

It also reduces blood flow, which is known as peripheral arterial disease. This makes it harder for your body to heal wounds and fight infections. High blood sugar slows healing and weakens your immune system, which increases the risk of diabetic foot complications.

This is why good foot diabetes care is so important for people with diabetes.

Common Diabetic Foot Complications

People with diabetes may face several foot issues. Here are some of the most common:

Foot ulcers – Open sores that heal slowly and can lead to serious infections.
Infections (cellulitis, abscesses) – Caused by untreated wounds or cracks in the skin.
Charcot foot – A weakening of the bones in the foot that can lead to deformity.
Dry skin and cracked heels – Makes it easier for germs to enter and cause infection.
Ingrown toenails and fungal infections – Seem small but can cause big problems if untreated.

The Role of a Podiatrist in Diabetes Management

A diabetic foot podiatrist plays a key role in keeping your feet healthy. At Podhills Podiatry, we help patients by providing complete podiatry diabetic foot care tailored to individual needs. Here's how we support you:

Routine foot assessments – We check your feet regularly for circulation and nerve damage using simple tests. This is part of essential foot screening for diabetics.
Spotting problems early – We look for any signs of diabetic foot problems like skin colour changes, swelling, or loss of feeling. Early care can prevent bigger issues.
Ulcer prevention and offloading – We use pressure-relieving techniques, including custom orthotics for diabetes, to reduce pressure points on your feet.
Foot care education – We give easy-to-follow foot care tips for diabetics, showing you how to check your feet daily, trim nails safely, and choose proper footwear.

With regular care, a podiatrist for diabetes in Sydney can help you stay ahead of any issues and avoid serious complications.

Preventative Measures Podiatrists Use

At Podhills Podiatry, we focus on preventing diabetic foot issues before they become serious. Here’s how our podiatrists help protect your feet:

Custom orthotics and offloading footwear
We provide custom orthotics for diabetes to reduce pressure on the feet and prevent diabetic foot ulcers. Special shoes or insoles help protect areas at risk and make walking safer.
Skin and nail care
Our podiatrists safely trim nails, remove corns and calluses, and treat fungal infections. This helps avoid cuts or wounds that can lead to diabetic foot complications. It’s an important part of foot care for diabetic patients.
Wound care for ulcers
If you already have a foot ulcer, we provide expert care to help it heal. Our podiatrists clean and dress the wound and give you a care plan that supports recovery and reduces infection risk.
Footwear advice
Wearing the right shoes is key to diabetic foot care. We help you choose diabetic-friendly shoes that support your feet, reduce rubbing, and protect sensitive areas.

These treatments are a big part of podiatry diabetic foot care. When you visit a trusted diabetic foot podiatrist like Podhills, you get the right support to keep your feet healthy.

When to See a Podiatrist

Recognising the early warning signs of diabetic foot complications is crucial for preventing more serious problems. People with diabetes should never ignore even minor changes in their feet, as they can escalate quickly without pain or obvious symptoms.

You should see a diabetic foot podiatrist if you notice any of the following:

Numbness, tingling, or burning sensations – These may indicate nerve damage and should not be ignored.
Wounds, blisters, or cuts that don’t heal – Even small injuries can lead to ulcers and infection if not treated promptly.
Discolouration, swelling, or warmth in the foot – These can be early signs of infection or poor circulation.
Changes in the shape of your foot – This could be a sign of Charcot foot, which requires immediate attention.
Thickened toenails, fungal infections, or dry, cracked skin – These may seem minor, but can lead to complications if not properly managed.

People living with diabetes should have a comprehensive foot check every 6 to 12 months. If you have existing foot problems, poor circulation, or nerve damage, you may need more frequent visits. Regular care from a podiatrist for diabetes in Sydney can help detect and treat problems early, before they become serious.

At Podhills Podiatry, we offer thorough assessments to help you stay ahead of any risks. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or managing long-term diabetes, our experienced team is here to support your foot diabetes care at every step.

How to Reduce Your Risk at Home

Taking care of your feet every day can help prevent diabetic foot complications. Here are simple steps you can follow at home as part of your foot diabetes care routine:

Check your feet daily
Look for cuts, swelling, blisters, or colour changes. If you notice anything unusual, contact a diabetic foot podiatrist right away.
Keep your blood sugar in a healthy range
Good sugar control helps wounds heal faster and lowers your risk of diabetic foot ulcers care.
Wear the right shoes and socks
Choose shoes that fit well and don’t rub. Use soft, seamless socks to protect your skin. Ask your podiatrist about custom orthotics for diabetes if needed.
Wash and moisturise your feet
Wash daily with warm water, then dry well. Use moisturiser to stop your skin from cracking – just avoid putting it between your toes.
Trim your nails safely
Cut toenails straight across. If you have trouble doing this, your podiatrist for diabetes in Sydney can help.
Don’t wait if you see a problem
Small issues can turn into serious ones. Early action is part of good podiatry and diabetes foot care.

By following these steps and getting regular foot checks for diabetes, you can reduce your risk of problems. If you need help, visit a diabetic foot care clinic near you, like Podhills Podiatry.

Conclusion

Podiatry and diabetes foot care go hand in hand. With early action and proper support, most diabetic foot complications can be prevented or treated effectively. Regular checks with a qualified podiatrist and smart at-home care are the best way to stay safe.

Looking for expert help?

Book a diabetic foot assessment with Podhills Podiatry today, your trusted diabetic foot specialist Sydney. We're here to help you stay active, safe, and confident on your feet.

Neil Jusuf