People who have been diagnosed with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing serious foot problems that can lead to dangerous infections and even amputation. That’s why specialized diabetic footcare is an essential part of staying healthy. Fortunately, with the proper care and attention, many of the worst-case scenarios can be avoided.
Foot issues and diabetes
Diabetes can affect the nerves in the feet and cause neuropathy, which means that patients may not be able to feel their feet. This can lead to small cuts or blisters becoming severely infected. According to Meghan Knox, Canadian Certified Pedorthist and Clinic Manager of BioPed’s Guelph location, routine assessments performed by certified pedorthists and chiropodists can help to avoid serious complications including amputation.
“There is a lot of need for preventative care for people with diabetes,” says Meghan. “Wounds and infections can largely be avoided if the feet are properly taken care of.”
In order to help people to properly manage their diabetic footcare, BioPed offers comprehensive solutions that include routine assessments, custom orthotics, specialized diabetic foot-friendly products, and callus removal.
Routine preventative care can help to avoid serious problems
Routine assessments can catch foot issues before they become dangerous. The Canadian Diabetes Association has developed a 60-second diabetic foot screening assessment that aids footcare specialists in identifying the type of care a person may need.
“The 60-second assessment is a series of non-invasive tests and observations that focus on the structure of the foot, the health of the individual, their footwear, and their activity level. It is designed to help them from ever developing an ulcer. We can get ahead of any issues so they don’t become larger problems,” explains Meghan.
According to Meghan, the frequency of diabetic footcare assessments depends on each individual. It may be beneficial for some people to be assessed every month or two while others may only need to come in once a year.
Once the diabetic footcare team has performed the assessment, they can recommend properly fitting shoes, create custom orthotics if needed, and offer appropriate specialty products, like compression socks, that are designed specifically for people with diabetes.
“We will cast for a custom orthotic on their initial appointment if it is necessary. At their checkups, if we need to, we can alter their orthotics in our in-house lab in just a few minutes rather than sending it off-site,” says Meghan.
Schedule an assessment
You can read more about diabetic foot care on BioPed’s informative website. To schedule a diabetic footcare assessment or general lower limb assessment, call BioPed at (519) 821-7310 or visit them online. BioPed is located at 102 Wyndham Street North in Guelph.