Diabetes foot checks in Esperance
If you have diabetes, your GP will recommend a foot check with a podiatrist at least once a year. Here's why it matters.
Over time, diabetes can affect the nerves and blood vessels in your feet. You may lose some feeling, so a blister, cut or pressure spot can go unnoticed. Reduced blood flow can also make it harder for any damage to heal. Together, these raise the risk of foot ulcers, which can become serious.
The good news is that many diabetes-related foot problems can be prevented. A regular foot check picks up early changes, often before you notice anything yourself, so you can take action early.
At Esperance Podiatry, Rebecca follows the 2021 Australian evidence-based guidelines for diabetes-related foot disease. After your check, we'll send a copy of your results to your GP, so your whole care team is kept up to date.
What happens at your foot check
A diabetes foot check is quick and painless. Rebecca will look at four main things.
1. Your history
We'll ask about your diabetes, any past foot ulcers, wounds or surgery, and any symptoms such as tingling, numbness, burning or leg pain when walking.
2. Feeling in your feet
Using a fine nylon filament (a 10 g monofilament), we test whether you can feel light touch at several spots on each foot. This shows whether you've lost any protective sensation, which is what normally warns you about a stone in your shoe or a rubbing blister.
3. Blood flow to your feet
We use a small handheld Doppler to listen to the pulses in your feet. Where needed, we also measure the blood pressure in your toes and ankles and compare it with your arm. These readings show whether blood flow to your feet is reduced, and whether you'd benefit from a vascular review.
4. Your feet, skin, nails and shoes
We check for changes in foot shape such as bunions, clawed toes or prominent joints, as well as corns, callus, cracked skin and nail problems. We'll also look at your footwear and whether you can safely see and reach your feet to care for them yourself.
Your foot risk level
At the end of your check, Rebecca will explain your foot ulcer risk level. It's based on the national guidelines and decides how often your feet should be checked. You'll take home a simple one-page summary of your risk level and what it means, so you can talk it over with your family or anyone else who helps care for you.
Risk level 0 · Very low: Normal feeling and good blood flow in your feet. Check: once a year.
Risk level 1 · Low: Reduced feeling, or reduced blood flow. Check: every 6 to 12 months.
Risk level 2 · Moderate: Any two of reduced feeling, reduced blood flow, or a change in foot shape. Check: every 3 to 6 months.
Risk level 3 · High: Reduced feeling or blood flow, plus a past foot ulcer, amputation, or kidney dialysis. Check: every 1 to 3 months.
Your risk level can change over time, which is why regular checks matter even if your feet feel fine. If you have a current wound or ulcer, you need care straight away, not just a check-up. See "When to get help quickly" below.
Source: https://www.diabetesfeetaustralia.org/new-guidelines/
Looking after your feet between visits
What we focus on depends on your risk level, but these habits help everyone with diabetes:
Check your feet and shoes every day for cuts, blisters, redness, swelling or anything new. Use a mirror, or ask someone to help, if you can't see the soles.
Wash your feet every day and dry carefully between your toes. See [How to wash your feet properly].
Moisturise dry skin daily, but not between the toes.
Trim your toenails with care, as long as you can see and reach your feet well enough. If not, we can do it for you.
Wear well-fitting socks and shoes that protect your feet, and check inside your shoes before putting them on.
Don't walk barefoot, even at home or on the beach.
Avoid corn removers and chemical treatments, which can burn the skin.
Build up walking or standing slowly if you're increasing your activity.
When to get help quickly
Don't wait for your next check if you notice a cut, blister, sore or crack that isn't healing, new redness, swelling, warmth or pain, or a change in colour of your foot or toes. Call us on (08) 9072 1514 or see your GP the same day. For urgent wound care, you can also contact Ambulatory Care or the High Risk Podiatry Service in the Outpatients building at the Esperance Health Campus (hospital).
Book your diabetes foot check
You don't need a referral for a diabetes foot check.
We accept Medicare Chronic Disease Management (CDM) referrals from your GP, so if you have one, bring it along.
Call (08) 9072 1514 or visit us at Suite B, 116 Dempster Street, Esperance.