Do you suffer from diabetes and are getting pins and needles, tingling and numbness in your feet?

National Diabetes Health Care Guidelines recommends people with diabetes to have their feet checked by a podiatrist every 6-12 months.

What is Peripheral Neuropathy?

Peripheral neuropathy is damage to the signalling and nerves in the extremities (usually feet). Neuropathy often results in numbness, tingling, burning, weakness, pins and needles in your feet. People with neuropathy may also complain of decreased sweating, dryness and inability to differentiate between hot and cold.

 Causes & Risks

Neuropathy can be caused by many factors including; diabetes, liver disease (chronic alcoholism), chemical/drug induced (chemotherapy), inflammatory disease and trauma or surgery to the lower back.

Neuropathy and poor blood sugar levels are a big risk factor for further complications eventuating such as ulcers/wounds on your feet.  With poor management, this may lead to serious foot complications including chronic wounds, infections and amputations.

Seeing a podiatrist

Podiatrists are one of the key health professionals within diabetic care. Podiatrist will perform footwear assessments which will involve assessing your blood (vascular) and nerve (neurological) status to identify if there are any diabetic related changes to your feet such as neuropathy.

Additionally, the podiatrist will discuss the appropriate footwear most suitable for your feet, and provide general foot and nail care advice to best manage your feet and reduce any diabetic associated complications.

Discuss with your GP for a referral and if you are entitled to an Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) refferal for your podiatry assessment. At Sydney Foot Clinic, we bulk bill on the spot with all EPC plans.

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