Diabetic Podiatry

Foot care is particularly important with diabetes.

Diabetes is a chronic condition that develops from a consistently high blood glucose (sugar) level. This leads to reduced insulin production, meaning the body is unable to convert glucose into energy. Without proper management, this causes a range of complications, and your feet are often among the first areas affected.

Care of diabetic feet is extremely important to ensure you continue to enjoy mobility and good foot health.

Why Diabetes Affects Your Feet

Diabetes affects the feet in two main ways: nerve damage and poor circulation.

Peripheral neuropathy is the term for nerve damage caused by prolonged high blood sugar. It reduces sensation in the feet, meaning cuts, blisters, and pressure sores often go unnoticed. Left untreated, even small wounds can develop into serious infections.

Poor circulation (also called peripheral arterial disease) slows the body’s ability to heal. Reduced blood flow to the feet means injuries take longer to recover and carry a higher risk of complication.

Together, these two factors make regular podiatry care essential for anyone living with diabetes, Type 1 or Type 2.

An Assessment Can Anticipate Problems

Catching problems early is the most effective way to prevent serious complications. At Sole-Lution Podiatry, we carry out thorough diabetic foot assessments to identify risk factors before they become issues.

A diabetic assessment of your feet includes:

Monitoring pulses in your feet
Assessing areas of increased pressure
Testing nerves and sensation
Assessing footwear fit and suitability
Removing excess callus
Reflex testing

In addition, a handheld Doppler ultrasound machine may be used to investigate blood flow in your feet. This is usually done on your first visit and then annually to ensure there is no degradation in your vascular supply.

Combined, these steps help us develop a thorough understanding of your needs, and any risk factors can be discussed with you directly. Prevention is the key to keeping a diabetic foot in a healthy condition.

Diabetic Wound Care

For patients who have developed a wound or ulcer on the foot, prompt treatment is critical. Diabetic foot ulcers are one of the most common complications of the condition, and they can deteriorate quickly without the right care.

At Sole-Lution Podiatry, we assess and manage diabetic foot wounds, including:

If you notice any break in the skin, unusual redness, swelling, or discharge on your feet, do not wait. Contact us promptly so we can assess it.

Footwear Advice for Diabetic Patients

For most people with well-controlled diabetes and no current foot complications, we recommend a check-up every six months. If you have active wounds, neuropathy, or circulation issues, more frequent visits may be needed.

Your GP or endocrinologist may also refer you for diabetic foot care under an Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) plan, which can provide Medicare rebates for podiatry services. Ask us about this at your next appointment.

Diabetic Foot Care in Sydney's Inner West

Sole-Lution Podiatry is located in Sydney’s Inner West, providing accessible podiatry care for patients across Petersham, Marrickville, Leichhardt, Haberfield and the surrounding area.

If you have been diagnosed with diabetes and have not yet had a foot assessment, or if it has been more than 12 months since your last check-up, book an appointment today.