Why is Podiatry Essential for Diabetics?
|
|
Skin & Nail Care for Diabetic Feet
Due to an increased risk of foot complications, diabetics are often advised to get their toenails cut by a podiatrist. Whilst not all diabetics need their nails cut, those at risk of circulation problems, have a loss of feeling in their feet, eye site problems or a decrease in flexibility are often advised to see a podiatrist for routine skin and nail care and maintenance.
|
What Does A Diabetic Foot Assessment Involve?Your usual Diabetic foot assessment may include some simple tests to determine your risk factors such as:
|
|
|
High Risk or Low Risk?It is important to find out whether your feet are at high or low risk of developing diabetic foot complications. A podiatrist can carry out an easy and painless check on your feet to determine whether your feet have a low or high risk of developing more serious problems.
Low risk Diabetic feet: These feet have normal sensation, good blood flow and are generally in good condition. However it is important to know that low risk feet can become high risk feet without symptoms, so 6 monthly checks are still important. High Risk Diabetic Feet: People with neuropathy, poor circulation, or those who have had a foot ulcer or amputation in the past are classified as high risk of foot complications. Feet with corns, calluses, cracked heels, or deformities like claw toes also have increased risk especially if poor feeling and/or decreased blood flow are also present. If you have high risk feet you should have them checked by your podiatrist every 3 – 6 months. It is generally recommended that these people also have their nails cut by their podiatrist to help eliminate risk factors associated with cutting toenails. > Skin and Nail Care For Diabetics |
Do I have Other Risk Factors?Diabetic feet are at risk because diabetes can cause damage to the nerves and the blood supply. This damage is more likely if:
|
|
|
Do I Need A Referral?No referral is required to see a podiatrist privately. If you have Private health insurance, you may be entitled to a rebate, which can be claimed automatically at the time of consult at any of our clinics.
Medicare may provide a rebate on podiatry fees if you have a chronic condition. To access medicare funding, you must be referred by your doctor as part of a suitable GP management or care plan. Where this Medicare rebate exists, Podantics will bulk bill these services so that you pay no out of pocket expenses. Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) gold card holders are entitled to free podiatry services from private podiatrists. All they need to do is get a DVA specific referral from their doctor before hand. |
Contact Us |
Services |
Foot Conditions |
|