May 2025

Common Diabetic Foot Problems You Should Know About

Diabetes can significantly affect your feet, primarily through two main problems:

• Neuropathy (Nerve Damage):
  Diabetes often leads to nerve damage, causing numbness, tingling, or loss of feeling. Without proper sensation, you might not realise when your feet get injured, allowing minor cuts or blisters to become infected.
• Poor Circulation:
  Reduced blood flow, known as peripheral artery disease, slows healing and increases infection risk. This means even small injuries could become serious very quickly.

Other diabetic foot problems include ulcers, fungal infections, structural foot changes, and corns or calluses—conditions that can rapidly worsen without specialised care.

Why Regular Foot Assessments are Essential for Diabetics

Routine assessments performed by a podiatrist are crucial because they can:

• Identify early signs of foot problems before they become severe.
• Ensure rapid treatment and reduce the risk of serious complications.
• Educate patients about proper daily foot care tailored specifically to their diabetic needs.
• Maintain your foot health, mobility, and overall quality of life.

What Happens During a Diabetic Foot Assessment at Bucks Foot Clinic?

At Bucks Foot Clinic, our diabetic foot assessments are thorough, gentle, and designed for your comfort. Your appointment typically includes:

• Neurological Tests: Checking for nerve sensitivity, identifying neuropathy early.
• Circulation Checks: Evaluating blood flow to detect poor circulation before it becomes severe.
• Skin and Foot Inspection: Examining your feet carefully for any ulcers, infections, or structural changes.
• Biomechanical Assessment: Checking foot alignment, posture, and gait to prevent pressure points that could lead to complications.
• Personalised Care Plan: Tailored recommendations including custom orthotics, suitable footwear, and daily foot-care routines.

The Unique Role of a Podiatrist in Diabetic Foot Care

While diabetic nurses play a vital role in helping you manage your diabetes overall—such as monitoring your blood sugar levels, medication, and general health—podiatrists provide specialised care dedicated entirely to the feet and lower limbs, offering expertise beyond standard diabetes care.

Here’s how a podiatrist uniquely contributes to your diabetic care:

• Advanced Wound Management:
  Podiatrists are trained specialists in managing diabetic foot wounds, ulcers, and infections using specialised techniques, dressings, and methods to ensure rapid and effective healing.
• Custom Orthotics and Footwear:
  Podiatrists prescribe custom-made orthotics and recommend diabetic-friendly footwear designed specifically to relieve pressure, correct alignment, and prevent foot ulcers.
• Specialised Foot Treatments:
  Unlike diabetic nurses, podiatrists perform direct treatments for foot-related conditions such as ingrown toenails, fungal infections, calluses, and corns—issues that diabetics must treat promptly to prevent complications.
• Biomechanical Expertise:
  Podiatrists have advanced knowledge in foot biomechanics, helping manage changes in foot structure caused by diabetes, preventing painful conditions or severe deformities.
• Foot Surgery & Minor Procedures:
  In some cases, podiatrists can perform minor surgical interventions needed to resolve diabetic foot issues quickly, safely, and comfortably.

Practical Tips for Diabetic Foot Care at Home

Alongside regular podiatric assessments, maintaining good foot health at home is essential:

• Check Your Feet Daily: Inspect for sores, redness, swelling, or unusual sensations.
• Proper Foot Hygiene: Wash and dry your feet thoroughly every day.
• Choose Appropriate Footwear: Wear shoes and socks designed specifically for diabetic comfort and protection.
• Maintain Healthy Toenails: Trim toenails straight across to avoid ingrown nails.
• Seek Early Treatment: Report any unusual changes to your podiatrist immediately.

Why Bucks Foot Clinic is the Ideal Choice for Your Diabetic Foot Care

Patients in Amersham, Chesham, Little Chalfont, Beaconsfield, and surrounding areas choose Bucks Foot Clinic because of our commitment to specialised diabetic care:

• Experienced Professionals: Our podiatrists are specifically trained in diabetic foot care and complications.
• Personalised Care: Tailored treatments focused entirely on your unique diabetic needs.
• Comprehensive Assessments: Thorough check-ups that address every aspect of diabetic foot health.
• Proven Results: Effective treatments that significantly reduce the risk of diabetic complications.

Highlight the importance of proper foot hygiene and provide practical tips to maintain healthy, pain-free feet from Bucks Foot Clinic.

Healthy feet are foundational for your overall well-being. Practicing good foot hygiene isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s essential for comfort, mobility, and avoiding painful foot conditions. Bucks Foot Clinic has put together key tips to help you maintain healthy, pain-free feet through effective foot hygiene practices.

Why Foot Hygiene Matters

Your feet withstand daily pressure, friction, and moisture. Neglecting proper hygiene can quickly lead to uncomfortable issues such as fungal infections, odour, skin irritation, and even severe foot conditions. Regularly practicing good foot hygiene not only maintains healthy feet but can significantly improve your quality of life.

Essential Foot Hygiene Practices for Optimal Foot Health

1. Daily Washing and Drying

• Wash Thoroughly: Always wash your feet daily with warm, soapy water, ensuring to clean between your toes to prevent fungal infections.
• Dry Properly: Pat your feet completely dry, especially between the toes, to eliminate moisture that promotes fungal growth.

2. Regular Inspection and Moisturising

• Inspect Your Feet Daily: Regular checks can help spot early signs of infections, sores, or irregularities before they become problematic.
• Use Appropriate Moisturiser: Regularly apply a foot-specific moisturiser to prevent dry skin, avoiding the spaces between toes to prevent fungal infections.

3. Toenail Care

• Trim Regularly: Cut toenails straight across and avoid cutting too short or into the corners, which can lead to ingrown toenails.
• Clean Nail Equipment: Always use sterilised or personal nail tools to prevent infections.

4. Choose the Right Footwear and Socks

• Breathable Socks: Wear moisture-wicking socks, preferably cotton or wool, to keep feet dry and comfortable.
• Proper Footwear: Select shoes with ample room for toes and adequate support, changing your footwear daily to allow shoes to air out and prevent odours.

5. Regular Footwear Maintenance

• Clean Shoes Frequently: Keep your footwear clean and dry. Use antibacterial sprays if necessary to eliminate odours and microbes.
• Replace Shoes When Needed: Don’t wait until shoes wear out completely; worn-out shoes lack support and cushioning, potentially causing foot problems.

6. Protect Feet in Public Areas

• Wear Protective Footwear: Always wear sandals or flip-flops in public pools, showers, and gyms to reduce the risk of fungal infections and other foot-related issues.

7. Foot Exercises and Elevation

• Regular Foot Exercises: Stretch and exercise your feet regularly to improve circulation and reduce stiffness or discomfort.
• Elevate Your Feet: Elevate your feet periodically, especially after long periods of standing or sitting, to reduce swelling and improve circulation.

8. Professional Foot Checks and Treatments

• Routine Podiatry Visits: Schedule regular check-ups with a professional podiatrist to ensure your feet remain healthy and problem-free. Routine podiatric care helps identify and treat potential issues early.

Why Choose Bucks Foot Clinic for Your Foot Health?

Residents of Amersham, Chesham, Little Chalfont, and surrounding areas trust Bucks Foot Clinic because we provide:

• Expert Care: Our highly skilled podiatrists deliver professional and compassionate care.
• Tailored Advice: Personalised recommendations to suit your lifestyle and foot health needs.
• Comprehensive Foot Health Solutions: Full spectrum of podiatry services to maintain optimal foot health and comfort.