Diabetic foot problems can develop over time when high blood sugars cause damage to the blood vessels and nerves in your feet. Managing your diabetes and looking after your feet can greatly reduce the risk of experiencing foot problems.
You will find resources to help you look after your feet and advice on how and when to seek the help of NHS Fife podiatry service below.
Diabetic foot care is essential to prevent serious complications such as ulcers, infections, and amputations. Daily self-care is crucial, this includes inspecting feet for cuts, blisters and signs of infection, washing and drying feet well along with wearing good fitting footwear. Prompt treatment of minor injuries can prevent progression to an ulcer. Ulcer prevention also involves managing blood glucose levels, stopping smoking and attending healthcare appointments. Early intervention is the key to reducing the impact of foot ulcers and improving outcomes. More information regarding what you can do to help yourself can be found in the Royal College of Podiatry diabetic foot care leaflets, a link to these can be found in the Resource section at the bottom of the page.
Personal footcare includes the tasks that adults normally do for themselves such as cutting and filing toenails, smoothing and moisturising skin. Check feet daily for signs of infection and any other problem which may need to be seen by a podiatrist. Click link for more information.
Personal foot care | NHS Fife
The purpose of this section is to highlight the problems you may encounter with your feet. If you do encounter any of these problems then you need to be seen by a podiatrist.
A red and/or swollen foot can be a sign of infection or of a condition called Charcot arthropathy, it is important to contact a podiatrist as soon as possible to avoid further damage to your foot.
A break in the skin can be an entry point for infection, clean with tap water, cover with a dry dressing and contact the podiatry service.
If you have any of the above and feel unwell with flu-like symptoms or shivering then it is possible that you have spreading infection and you are at increased risk of sepsis. You must seek emergency help immediately via NHS 111, phone 999 or attend A&E
While some people may experience pain associated with the above danger signs many patients with diabetes may not feel any pain or discomfort even if a wound is present. This is due to nerve damage (neuropathy) caused by high blood sugars. You should still seek help.
To arrange an appointment with a podiatrist if you are an existing patient then click here for the phone number of your nearest clinic.
If you don’t regularly have podiatry treatment then click the link below to complete a Request for Assistance Form (below) as soon as possible.
If your query is non urgent then you can call our Podiatry Advice Line:
Wednesday afternoon 13:30 - 16:00
Thursday morning - 08:30 - 12:00 noon
Contact us on 01383 518635.
