Diabetes

Diabetic Foot - What is it?

Diabetes can result in poor blood supply to the feet, which causes a loss of feeling. Injuries, ulcers and sores on the feet will take much longer to heal. The loss of feeling in the foot can mean that a diabetes sufferer can not feel any pain and therefore injuries go unnoticed or worsen. If ulcers and infections persist it can result in limb amputation.

Prevention

• Visit a podiatrist at least once a year – ask your GP for a referral or alternatively find one of our recommended practitioners within the Recommended Practices section of our site
• Ensure shoes fit well – they must not rub the feet or be tight
• Don't ever walk around without footwear – this leaves your feet susceptible to injury
• Cut or file toenails regularly
• Seek professional advice if any foot problem occurs (even minor ones), including blisters, hard skin and corns – do not treat them yourself
• Download our ‘10 steps towards happy feet!’ leaflet on basic foot care for people with diabetes

See our LucRo Diabetic footwear that can help prevent ulceration, our LucRo Diabetic socks and our Stepahead Protect insole, designed specifically for the at risk foot.

For advice on products available from Salts Techstep for diabetes sufferers please call us on 0121 333 2099.

Important: We always recommend that you visit a HPC* registered chiropodist/podiatrist who can advise you on diagnosis and taking care of your feet. To find one of our recommended practitioners have a look at the Recommended Practices section of the website.

*Health Professional Council www.hpc-uk.org.