Is Diabetes affecting your feet? Let us help!
People with diabetes are more prone to developing foot problems and therefore need to take extra care with their feet. Our Podiatrists are trained in treating foot problems resulting from Diabetes.
Why are people with Diabetes more prone to foot complications?
Poor Circulation
- High sugar levels in the blood can cause damage to the blood vessels due to the excessive sugar. Once you add high sugar levels in the blood with other health issues such as high cholesterol or high blood pressure the blood vessel walls become hardened, thickened and blocked. This is leads to reduced blood flow to the feet; this is known as Peripheral Vascular Disease. Reduced blood flow causes delayed healing to any cut, scratch or breaks in the skin; increasing the risk of infection.
- A Podiatrist is trained to assess lower limb circulation using a Doppler ultrasound to identify any problems with blood flow to the feet. Often Podiatrists are the first to identify the beginning of a circulation issue and trigger the necessary referrals to vascular specialists for further assessment and possible treatment. If caught early enough, often simple procedures can be performed to improve circulation to the feet.
Nerve Damage
- When there are High Levels of sugar within the body, the excess sugar has to go somewhere! Unfortunately, Sugar is easily absorbed by our nerves, especially the ones in our feet and legs. Once sugar enters our nerves, it causes irreversible damage. This damage results in numbness, burning, pins and needles, electric shocks and loss of feeling the feet.
- This is called Peripheral Neuropathy.
- Your Podiatrist is able to conduct a series of simple tests to determine whether there is any loss of protective sensation to your feet as a result from diabetes.
Preventing Complications from Diabetes to your feet:
Our Podiatrists:
What can I expect at an appointment?
Do I need a referral?
Do you bulk bill?
How often do I need to visit a Podiatrist?
What is your cancellation policy?
What can I expect at an appointment?
Your consultation will go for 40 minutes. This time allows your Podiatrist to thoroughly examine and understand your needs as well as providing the necessary time to assess your condition properly. We will also develop a comprehensive treatment plan that will enable you to achieve your goal as soon as possible during this consultation.
Do I need a referral?
There is no requirement to supply a referral from your doctor to see a Podiatrist.
With that said, if you have been referred, please bring a copy of the referral letter.
Do you bulk bill?
We bulk bill pension card holders with a valid EPC referral (Chronic disease management plan) from their GP. For non-pension card holder with this type of referral, our consult fees apply, and you can claim a rebate from Medicare (there is a small gap fee)
How often do I need to visit a Podiatrist?
The frequency and number of visitations will depend on the nature of the condition you are being treated for. The treatment and rehabilitation of conditions will vary widely however after an initial consultation your podiatrist will be able to provide a recovery framework for you.
What is your cancellation policy?
We appreciate 24 hours notice for cancellations when possible. However we know the unexpected can often happen, so a courtesy phone call if you are going to miss an appointment is always appreciated.
An appointment which is cancelled or rescheduled with less than 24 hours notice, may incur a fee of 50% of the consult rate.
If you miss an appointment, without giving notice, then the full rate of the appointment may be charged.
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