Foot Care & Diabetes Awareness Month

November is Diabetes Awareness Month.

Our Oakville Chiropodists offer foot care for people with diabetes. Foot care and diabetic foot care and check-ups can be essential for the overall health and life of a person with diabetes.

Diabetes can cause nerve damage, or neuropathy, and poor blood flow / circulation to the legs and feet. This means that someone with diabetes, with these issues, may not feel a cut or a blister on the foot.

Unnoticed and untreated cuts, blisters and pressure areas on the foot can easily become infected. Any infection on a persons foot with diabetes can lead to serious complications.

Prevention is the best medicine!

Leading a healthy lifestyle, controlling blood sugars, and having a proper foot-care routine will help prevent the above issues and keep your feet healthy!

Chiropody / foot check -ups can help you identify areas that may have diminished sensation and circulation. You should have this check-up at least once a year. The Chiropodist will help set you up with a good daily foot- care routine.

If you have difficulties reaching your feet, clipping toenails, or feeling your feet, having a follow-up appointment with your foot specialist every 6 to 8 weeks is ideal. They will be able to do a check and clip your toenails safely. They will let you know if there are any concerns and advise you of steps to take at home and if they should see you more often.

Do not try to treat warts, corns, or calluses on your own. Have them treated by a Chiropodist of foot care specialist. They will be able to do this safely with sterilized (clean) equipment.

If you have unexplained pain, swelling, redness, warmth in the feet or legs see your doctor or chiropodist.

Tools for you home foot-care kit:

Your home foot care kit should consist of the following.

  • nail clippers
  • nail file
  • lotion
  • non-breakable hand mirror

If you have areas of pressure that are causing breakdown or blisters that you cannot feel, your Chiropodist may suggest custom made orthotics. This will help make sure pressure is spread out properly and avoid specific problem areas. Orthotics made just for you is an excellent method of prevention!

Contact us to book your annual diabetic foot check-up, or routine diabetic / senior foot and toenail care. Most private benefit plans cover routine foot care and custom made orthotics.