Footfriend - Diabetic Footcare
Generally, the better your diabetes is controlled and managed, the fewer foot problems and complications will arise.
Problem prevention is always preferable
If you have diabetes, you need that bit extra when it comes to care of your feet. Here at Footfriend, we will help you learn how to care for your feet and check that your feet are in good health on a regular basis. We’ll monitor your condition, providing a report for your doctor if required. This is the best way of ensuring minor problems don’t develop into something more serious.
Common diabetic foot problems
- Reduction in circulation – cold feet, cramp and fragile skin.
- Reduction in sensation (peripheral neuropathy) – numbness, tingling, tight feeling or a “walking on cotton wool” feeling.
- Reduction in healing or ability to heal.
Diabetes diagnosis
Your diabetes will be diagnosed via blood testing at your GP practice. They will manage your blood sugar level testing and medication if required. You may also need to see other health professionals with regard to your diabetes, in particular a podiatrist with regard to care of your feet.
Diabetic foot care
People with diabetes who have “high risk” feet require more help. We provide specialised care dealing with all personal foot care requirements from nail cutting to corn and callus removal and more. We will recommend what needs to be done to maintain your feet in good order including advice about footwear. If you have severe diabetic foot problems we will refer you to a NHS diabetic foot clinic for multi-disciplinary team care.
Annual diabetic foot health check up
At Footfriend we recommend that people with diabetes have an annual foot health check. This is in line with NICE guidelines for people with diabetes. We will assess your circulation, sensation, nail and skin condition and any specific problems you may have. We can give advice on the best way you can care for your feet for yourself and any recommended treatment. We can also give advice on the best footwear for comfort and protection of your feet.
Footwear
We will assess your feet and footwear and make recommendations if change to a specific shoe type is needed.
Patient Stories
I have been a client with Damian for a number of years. I am a Type 2
Diabetic and visit every eight weeks, Damian takes very good care of my
feet, and keeps me up to date with information on the care of my feet,
including ill fitting shoes. I would recommend him to all of my friends.
K.Johnson, Hull
How we can help
We are available to provide diabetic footcare requirements at a time to suit you.
- Personal Footcare (nail cutting, hard skin removal etc.).
- Footcare Advice (what you can safely do at home).
- Annual Diabetic Foot Health Check and risk status (as per NICE guidelines).
- Doppler testing of your circulation.
- Monofilament testing of your sensation.
Please note: Serious diabetic problems such as ulcers require a mandatory referral into the NHS Diabetes Centre – we will arrange immediate access for you for that aspect of your care.
If you wish to have professional help with the care of your feet, please book an appointment.
We look forward to seeing you at our Beverley Clinic; serving Beverley, Hull and surrounding villages.
Further reading about foot care for diabetics
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/foot-care-diabetics/
https://www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-to-diabetes/complications/feet/taking-care-of-your-feet
