Diabetic Foot Care
Prevent complications before they start
Proper foot care is essential for people living with diabetes. Without regular checks, diabetic foot problems can silently progress—leading to serious complications like ulcers, infections, or even amputations. Regular podiatry care can make all the difference in preventing these outcomes.
Why Diabetic Foot Care Matters
Diabetes can impact the feet in several serious ways. Common complications include:
-
Peripheral Neuropathy – Numbness, tingling, or loss of sensation in the feet increases your risk of injury without knowing it.
-
Peripheral Vascular Disease – Reduced blood flow to the feet slows healing and increases the risk of ulcers and infection.
-
Dry or Cracked Skin – Poor nerve function affects sweat glands, leading to fissures that can become entry points for bacteria.
-
Foot Deformities (e.g. Charcot’s Foot) – Changes in bone structure may lead to pressure points, imbalance, and difficulty walking.
According to Diabetic Foot Australia, around 50,000 Australians are living with diabetic foot disease—and over 4,000 undergo diabetes-related amputations every year.
What We Check During a Diabetic Foot Review
A diabetic foot review is more than a quick look at your nails. It includes:
-
Sensory testing for nerve damage
-
Vascular assessments for blood flow
-
Skin integrity and nail health inspection
-
Ulcer risk analysis
-
Education on footwear, hygiene, and ulcer prevention
-
Optional reports back to your GP or diabetes educator
These reviews help catch early warning signs before problems develop—and are recommended at least 1–4 times a year, depending on your risk profile.
Your diabetic foot check complements your overall diabetes management—but it doesn’t replace routine check-ups with your GP, endocrinologist, or diabetes care team.
5 Simple Strategies to Protect Your Feet
1. Daily Checks
Look for changes like blisters, redness, cracks, or wounds. If you have difficulty seeing your feet, use a mirror or ask for help.
2. Moisturise Daily
Dry skin cracks easily, increasing infection risk. Use a plain, non-scented moisturiser daily—except between the toes.
3. Wear Proper Footwear
Choose shoes with extra depth and no seams that rub. Custom orthotics may help offload pressure areas or past ulcer sites.
4. Maintain Good Blood Sugar Control
Consistently high blood glucose levels increase your risk of nerve damage and slow healing. Better sugar control supports better foot health.
5. Schedule Regular Podiatry Visits
Don’t wait for a problem. A 6-monthly or quarterly check-up allows your podiatrist to monitor changes and intervene early.
Signs You Should See a Podiatrist Sooner
If you notice any of the following, book an appointment promptly:
-
New numbness or tingling
-
Changes in skin colour or temperature
-
Non-healing wounds or blisters
-
Pain when walking
-
Redness or swelling
Why Choose Us for Diabetic Foot Care?
We take diabetic foot care seriously—because we’ve seen how quickly things can go wrong without the right support. You’ll receive:
-
A comprehensive diabetic foot check at each visit
-
Clear advice tailored to your risk level and lifestyle
-
Footwear and orthotic recommendations
-
Long-term support, from prevention to wound care if needed
Medicare Rebates & Eligibility
If you have a Medicare EPC (Enhanced Primary Care) plan, you may be entitled to up to 5 rebated podiatry visits per year. These may include diabetic foot checks, assessments, and prevention planning. Ask your GP if you’re eligible.
Book Your Diabetic Foot Check Today
Whether you’ve just been diagnosed or have been managing diabetes for years, don’t wait for complications—prevention starts with a simple foot assessment.
We only recommend treatment when we believe it can truly make a difference, whether that means reducing your risk of ulcers, improving your mobility, or keeping your skin healthy through winter. Your care is always personalised to your needs.
Have Questions About Podiatry?
We’re here to make it simple. Whether you’re dealing with ongoing foot pain or just unsure if podiatry is right for you, we’re happy to guide you — no pressure, just clear answers.