Carmichael & Short Podiatrists (Brisbane) - Diabetic Foot Complications

PODIATRY carmichael & short PODIATRISTS

Diabetes and foot complications

In Australia, approximately 4% of the population suffers from diabetes mellitus, although almost half of these people are unaware that they have the condition and remain undiagnosed.

Diabetes causes two main problems to the foot:

Peripheral Neuropathy - a degeneration of the nerves within the foot that can cause pain or loss of feeling
Peripheral Vascular Disease - narrowing or blockages of the arteries which carry blood from the heart down to the foot

(Left) Foot ulcers caused by diabetes which require urgent podiatry care

People with diabetes are at risk of developing ulcerations and infections within their feet, which have the potential to require an amputation of the foot or leg. In fact, the most common reason a person with diabetes will require hospitalisation is for a foot complication. Even trivial or minor injuries to the foot have the potential to become very serious and threaten a limb.

HEALTH PROFESSIONALS RECOMMEND AN ANNUAL FOOT CHECK-UP FOR ALL PEOPLE WITH DIABETES.

Our podiatrists are very experienced in the care of people with diabetes, and Anthony Short is the consultant podiatrist to the Queensland Diabetes Centre at the Mater Hospital in Brisbane. We have also been involved in Diabetes Programs with the Divisions of General Practice, and training programs for doctors involved in the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, along with community education seminars with Diabetes Australia (QLD).

Foot Care Tips For People With Diabetes

Always inspect your feet on a daily basis for injuries or problems
See your podiatrist or doctor immediately if you suspect a problem
Have a foot check-up with your podiatrist annually
Keep your diabetes under good control - it lessens the chance of complications
Never walk outdoors without shoes - prevention is the best cure!
Don't try and treat foot problems like ingrown toenails or corns yourself, this can lead to serious consequences
Buy well fitting shoes with plenty of room - running shoes are generally the best for people with diabetes

Our podiatry practice provides assistance with the following conditions:

Bunions, corns, hammertoes, heel spur, orthotics, podiatry, podiatrist, podiatrists, foot, ankle, shin splints, heel pain, neuroma, diabetes, neuropathy, PVD, insoles, footwear, ingrown nail, toenail, tinea, callus, sports medicine, stress fracture, ulcer, podiatric surgery, hallux valgus, hallux rigidus, hallux limitus, plantar fasciitis, foot surgery, plantar wart, knee pain, ankle sprain, posterior tibial tendon, metatarsal, toe, metatarsalgia, arthritis