Foot care is particularly important if you have diabetes as foot problems are a common complication and can become serious if not treated quickly and effectively.The importance of diabetic foot care is due to:

• Poor blood supply to the leg and foot resulting in slower healing, and;
• The loss of feeling in the feet due to nerve damage resulting in persons not realising they have minor cuts and blisters which can become infected or lead to ulcers.

Persons with diabetes should have their feet checked by a podiatrist at least once per year to detect problems early and help to prevent complications. People with more advanced diabetes often require more regular visits.

In addition to regular visits with our Podiatrists, persons with diabetes should:

• Check their feet daily for signs of swelling, redness & heat.
• Moisturise their feet, especially cracked heals (with sorbolene), but not between the toes.
• Avoid open toed and narrow shoes.
• Have their feet measured when purchasing new shoes to ensure they are long, wide and deep enough.
• Keep the toenails trimmed and corns and calluses treated by a podiatrist.
• Not go barefoot, especially if the sensation of the foot is reduced.