Why Diabetes Changes Everything for Your Feet
For residents in Putney and Haberfield living with Diabetes, foot care is not a luxury—it is a life-saving necessity. Diabetes can lead to two major complications that directly affect your feet: Peripheral Neuropathy (nerve damage) and Peripheral Vascular Disease (poor circulation).
At Walk This Way Podiatry, we act as the “early warning system” for your health. Because these changes often happen slowly and without pain, you may not realise your feet are at risk until a serious complication develops. Our “Active Lives” philosophy focuses on rigorous annual screenings and proactive management to ensure that a diagnosis of Diabetes never stands in the way of your mobility.
The Two Silent Threats: Neuropathy and Poor Circulation
Peripheral Neuropathy (The Loss of Feeling)
High blood sugar levels over time can damage the delicate nerve fibers in your feet. This leads to a Loss of Protective Sensation (LOPS).
The Danger
If you cannot feel pain, you won’t notice a small blister, a sharp stone in your shoe, or an ingrown toenail. These minor injuries can quickly escalate into open sores (ulcers) because the “warning signal” to your brain has been cut off.
The Symptoms
Numbness, a “pins and needles” sensation, or a burning feeling that often worsens at night.
Peripheral Vascular Disease (The Loss of Healing)
Diabetes can cause the blood vessels in your legs to narrow and harden, reducing the amount of oxygen-rich blood reaching your feet.
The Danger
Blood is the primary vehicle for healing. Without adequate circulation, even a tiny scratch can take weeks to heal, providing a window for infection to take hold.
The Symptoms
Cold feet, blue or purple discolouration, or cramping in your calves while walking (claudication).
Protect your foundation. book an appointment today.
The Agitation The Pathway to Complications
In the podiatry world, we speak about the “Ulceration Pathway.” It usually looks like this:
Deformity
A small change in foot shape (like a [Bunion]) creates a pressure point.
Neuropathy
You don’t feel the pressure rubbing against your shoe.
Callus
Your body builds [Hard Skin] to protect itself, but the callus eventually acts like a stone, pressing into the healthy tissue underneath.
Ulcer
The tissue breaks down, forming an open wound.
Infection
Because of poor circulation, your body can’t fight the bacteria, leading to a serious infection that, in the worst cases, can lead to amputation.
This pathway is almost entirely preventable with regular clinical intervention.
Our Comprehensive Diabetic Foot Assessment
When you visit our Sydney clinics for a diabetic check, we perform a non-invasive, 30-minute “Neuro-Vascular” screen.
Vascular Doppler Ultrasound
We use ultrasound to listen to the “sound” of your blood flow, ensuring your arteries are clear and healthy.
Neurological Monofilament Testing
We use a specialised medical wire to check for 10 specific pressure points on your foot, verifying that your protective sensation is intact.
Dermatological Review
We check for hidden tinea, fungal nails, or cracks in the skin that could serve as an entry point for bacteria.
Biomechanical & Gait Analysis
We analyze your walk to identify high-pressure areas that are prone to ulceration.
Protect your foundation. book an appointment today.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I see a podiatrist if I have Diabetes?
Diabetes Australia and international guidelines recommend a professional foot check at least once every 12 months for “low-risk” patients. If you have existing numbness or poor circulation, we recommend seeing us every 3 to 6 months.
Can I cut my own toenails if I am diabetic?
If you have good vision and no numbness, you can. However, if you have any degree of neuropathy or poor circulation, we strongly advise having a podiatrist manage your nail care. A small accidental nick with a pair of clippers can be very dangerous for a diabetic foot.
Why do my feet burn so much at night?
This is a classic symptom of “Small Fiber Neuropathy.” When you lie still at night, the damaged nerves often send phantom “pain signals” to the brain. We can work with your GP to manage these symptoms and check if your blood sugar levels are within the target range.
What are the best shoes for diabetic feet?
You need shoes with a wide “toe box” (to prevent rubbing), a firm heel counter, and no internal seams that could cause friction. We provide specialised footwear prescriptions and can fit extra-depth shoes if needed.
Is it okay to walk barefoot at home?
No. We advise all diabetic patients to wear supportive slippers or indoor shoes at all times. Even indoors, you can step on a dropped pin or stub your toe on furniture without feeling it, leading to a hidden injury.
What should I look for during my daily foot check?
Use a mirror to look at the soles of your feet every night. Check for redness, swelling, blisters, or any “hot spots.” If you see something that wasn’t there yesterday, contact us immediately.
Can I use "medicated" corn plasters?
Never. Medicated corn plasters contain acid that can eat through healthy skin. For a diabetic, this is a major cause of preventable foot ulcers. Always have corns removed professionally by a podiatrist.
Does Medicare cover diabetic foot checks?
Yes. If your GP puts you on a Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan, Medicare provides a rebate for up to 5 podiatry sessions per year. We also process HICAPS for private health funds on the spot.
Why is my skin so dry and flaky?
Diabetes can affect the “autonomic” nerves that control sweating and oil production in the skin. This leads to extremely dry skin that can crack (fissures). We recommend using a high-urea cream daily to maintain skin integrity.
What is a "Charcot Foot"?
This is a rare but serious complication where the bones in the foot weaken and fracture due to severe neuropathy. The foot can change shape (becoming a “rocker bottom”). If your foot is suddenly red, hot, and swollen, you must seek urgent podiatric care.
What people are saying about us…
Hundreds of patients in the Inner West and Sydney North have trusted us to treat their foot problems. We take great pride in our reputation and the reviews our patients leave us are testimony to that.
See what our patients say about their results on Google and Facebook, then book your own Biomechanical Assessment to experience the difference.
