Diabetic Foot Treatments

Diabetic foot treatments from Trinity Podiatry in Edinburgh

Foot care is especially important for people with diabetes to prevent or eliminate problems. Regular foot care from a Health Professions Council Registered Podiatrist, is essential to keep a diabetic’s feet in good order. At Trinity Podiatry, we can help keep your feet healthy.

Diabetic

Diabetic foot care

Diabetes mellitus is a disorder in which sugars in the body are not broken down to produce energy due to a lack of the pancreatic hormone “Insulin.” This disorder is characterised by an inability to reabsorb water, which results in an increased urine production, excessive thirst and excessive eating. 

The accumulation of this sugar leads to its appearance in the bloodstream (hyperglycaemia) and then in the urine. As this sugar cannot be broken down to produce energy, the body utilises its fat storage as an energy source. 

This alternative source of energy leads to disturbances of the acid base balance and accumulation of ketones (Ketosis) in the blood, this eventually leads to convulsions, which precede diabetic coma.

There are 2 types of diabetes

Insulin dependent diabetes

In this condition patients have little or no ability to produce the hormone insulin and are entirely dependent on insulin injections for survival.

Non-insulin dependent diabetes

Usually occurs after the age of 40. The pancreas retains some ability to produce insulin but it is inadequate for the body’s needs. Patients may require advice on diet or treatment with oral hypoglycaemic drugs.

With both types of diabetes, diet must be carefully controlled with adequate carbohydrates for the body’s needs. Lack of balance in the diet, or in the amount of insulin taken, leads to hypoglycaemia. 

This is a deficiency of glucose in the bloodstream causing muscular weakness, in-coordination, mental confusion and sweating, which may lead to hypoglycaemic coma. Long-term complications of diabetes include thickening of the arteries, which can affect the eyes. It is therefore important that the eyes are also checked regularly.

Wooly Socks

Diabetic Foot Care Q & A

Why do I need diabetic foot care?

Diabetic foot care involves taking measures to protect your feet and lower your risk of amputation. When it comes to your feet, which already struggle to get an adequate blood supply because of the effects of gravity, diabetes further limits sufficient circulation.

This can lead to nerve damage (neuropathy), overly dry and cracked skin, and an increased risk of foot ulcers. Because your skin dries out and can’t heal quickly, you’re more susceptible to nail problems, like fungal nails and ingrown toenails.

Overall, diabetes slows down wound healing. So something as simple as a mild crack or cut can stay open for an extended period, making a perfect hiding spot for bacteria and foreign invaders to thrive.

If left untreated, a diabetic foot wound can become so severe the infection spreads to your bones, which could lead to an amputation.

What are the symptoms of diabetic foot wounds?

The concern with diabetic foot wounds is that because you’re prone to nerve damage due to diabetic neuropathy, you won’t feel a wound. That’s why knowing what to look for and daily inspection of your feet is essential. Diabetic foot wounds can lead to:

  • Blood or drainage in your socks
  • Tingling, numbness, or burning
  • Red patches and inflammation
  • Foot swelling

If any of these diabetic foot wound symptoms sound familiar, schedule an appointment at Trinity Podiatry Clinic right away.

How are diabetic foot conditions treated?

Whether you have a foot ulcer, history of neuropathy, fungal nail infection, or another type of diabetic foot condition, the highly skilled team at Trinity Podiatry Clinic can help. Your diabetic foot-care treatment plan may include:

  • Prescription-strength topical ointments
  • Professional toenail trimming
  • Corn or callus removal
  • Antibiotic medications
  • Wound debridement
  • Custom orthotics to offload pressure areas prone to ulceration
  • Diabetic footwear

The wound-care experts at Trinity Podiatry Clinic are diligent about preserving your foot health and lowering your risk of amputation. They can even get you in for a same-day diabetic foot-care appointment since even small concerns can quickly become a major emergency.

At Trinity Podiatry Clinic, you can receive the comprehensive diabetic foot care you need. Book your diabetes appointment online via Book Now on our website or call our office to speak with a receptionist.

Care of diabetic feet

As a diabetic you may experience a reduction in feeling, so other senses should be used, especially the eyes and hands, to detect the earliest signs of injury or infection. If these signs are neglected serious problems may develop.

The diabetic should follow these simple rules:

  • Wash feet daily in warm water.
  • Take care to remove debris from between the toes and dry the feet carefully and thoroughly.
  • Apply moisturising cream to any dry areas.
  • Examine the feet carefully after each wash for any signs of cracks, corns, blisters etc. If you find anything unusual, however small, come to the clinic. If you cannot see the soles of your feet, sit on a bed or on the floor and view them through a large mirror. If your eyesight is poor, ask someone to examine them for you.
  • Always dress in roomy, woolly socks – two pairs if necessary.
  • If your circulation is poor, wear trousers and in cold weather, long johns.
  • If you have had neuropathy of the feet, and if you have them, always wear the special shoes that have been made for you. They will help you remain free of corns and calluses, and will protect your feet from injuries that you cannot feel, e.g. drawing pins or splinters in the sole of the feet etc.
  • Take hot water bottles out of the bed before you get in, and wear bed-socks if necessary.
  • Never walk about barefoot in the house, and wear slippers when you get out of bed during the night.
  • Check your footwear each time you put your shoes on, in case small objects have dropped into them.
  • Do not sit too close to a fire as you may burn your legs without realising it.
  • Do not attempt to cut your own toe nails, and most certainly, do not under any circumstances use corn plasters, or any other form of substance which could damage your skin.
Get in touch to discuss Diabetic Foot Treatments