Symptoms
- Gradual loss of sensitivity (neuropathy)
- Deformation of the feet
- Leg pain
- Change of skin colour
- Abnormal pressure points
- Ingrown toenails and fungus
- Dry Skin
- Corns and calluses that bleed
- Cracks on the heels
Be aware that both corns and calluses that are not adequately addressed can lead to serious complications, such as ulcers, infections, and even to amputation of the foot in the case of diabetics.
Certain diabetics will not be able to feel pain or other sensations on their feet and will interpret this as reason not to seek medical help. Undiagnosed neuropathy can be a serious health risk. Consult your podiatrist to avoid such complications.
Podiatric Interventions
Consultations With Your Podiatrist
Every diabetic should consult a podiatrist for education, prevention, and the maintenance of healthy feet. A podiatrist performs a thorough analysis of the health of the feet and determines an appropriate treatment plan. Consulting a podiatrist is important if you have diabetes, it can reduce the likelihood of hospitalization by 24% and the risk of amputation by 85%.
Diabetic foot infections are the most common reason for hospital admissions among Canadians living with diabetes. The risk of foot amputation is highest among diabetic Canadians over the age of 40 who smoke and who have had diabetes for 10 years or more.
Controlling Your Diabetes
Every diabetic should conduct a daily inspection of their feet to monitor their diabetes. In addition, there are ways to maintain health, which include avoiding walking barefoot, quitting smoking, controlling blood sugar, participating in physical exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight.
Podiatric Treatments of Diabetes
The podiatrist examines and treats diabetic feet suffering from lesions, ingrown toenails, corns, and calluses. During the consultation, he will assess the neurological status of the feet, undertake a vascular examination, and check for any sign of potential complications. Depending on the patient’s state of health, the podiatrist may recommend wearing special shoes, controlling pressure points using custom foot orthotics, and preventive surgery as a last resort.
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FAQs
Why Should Diabetics Consult a Podiatrist?
Many people undergo foot care for aesthetic reasons as a temporary solution. Such care is often provided in beauty salons. According to the Québec College of Podiatrists, this act is an illegal practice of podiatry, which is not the case for podiatry clinics. It is therefore recommended that you entrust the care of your feet to a podiatrist, nurse, or doctor for safety reasons and to avoid any complications. Visit our clinic for comprehensive foot care provided by a professional as recommended by the law who is also a member of the College of Podiatrists. Consult the NDG Podiatry Clinic for the care and treatment of foot corns and calluses. Treatments are also available for diabetics.
Do You Know the ABC's of Your Diabetes?
Every diabetic needs to control their blood sugar level to avoid complications. The HbA1c, or glycated hemoglobin, test is a way to determine the concentration of glucose in the blood over the previous three months by means of a blood sample. Please consult your podiatrist for more information.
A: A1c – the sugar level (HbA1c) over the preceding three months should be below 7%.
B: Blood Pressure should be 130/80 or less.
C: Cholesterol.
Are Diabetics at Risk of Foot Amputation?
Yes, diabetics are at risk. In fact, 15% of diabetics will develop an ulcer and 9% to 20% of those ulcers will eventually necessitate the amputation of the foot. Including a podiatrist in your treatment plan and monitoring your diabetes can reduce the risk of foot amputation by 85%.