Diabetic Footcare
Our Chiropodist can help
If you are a diabetic, footcare is a vital part of your everyday life. At McCowan Foot Clinic, our Chiropodists will provide you with footcare services to prevent complications such as infection, loss of sensation, pain, etc. Our Chiropodists will also provide diabetic footcare education as an integral part of the treatment to ensure long-term health and proper care.
About Diabetes
Diabetes is a disease where the body cannot make insulin or unable to properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that controls the level of glucose in our blood. In a healthy person, when blood glucose is high, the pancreas will release insulin. Insulin will allow our cells to take in the glucose and use it as energy or have it stored for later use, allowing for blood glucose levels to go back down.
There are different types of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes can occur when the immune system attacks the pancreas, causing little or no insulin to be released and leading to a build up of glucose in the blood. Type 2 diabetes can occur when the body is unable to properly use insulin or the body doesn’t make enough insulin leading to a buildup of glucose in the blood. Pre-diabetes is used to describe someone with higher than normal blood glucose levels.
Signs and symptoms of diabetes include: changes in weight, unusual thirst, frequent urination, blurry vision, severe fatigue and tingling or numbness in hands or feet. When the blood glucose is consistently high, it can damage nerves, blood vessels and organs. Diabetes related complications include: kidney disease, retinopathy leading to blindness, heart attack, stroke, circulatory and nerve disorders. Diabetes can affect the blood flow and nerves to your feet leading to complications such as loss of sensation, poor blood circulation, poor wound healing and increased risk of infection. If you have any concerns about Diabetes, it is best to seek medical attention.
Signs and Symptoms of foot problems
- Swelling, cramping, or pain in the legs and feet
- Changes in the shape and appearance of the legs and feet
- Pain, tingling or numbness in your feet
- Corns and calluses
- Thick, fungal or ingrown toenails
- Blisters and sores
What to expect
At your initial visit to McCowan Foot Clinic, our chiropodist will take a medical history and perform a thorough assessment of your legs and feet. The chiropodist will establish a management plan to help with your foot problem and prevent against complications. The management plan can include footcare treatment, custom-made orthotics, proper footwear and education about diabetic footcare.