Diabetes / Arthritis Sydney CBD
Australia has one of the highest recorded prevalence of diabetes for a developed nation. Foot care for people with diabetes is important because diabetes affects the feet in two ways. Diabetes can reduce blood circulation and also damage the nerves to the feet.
CFPM has a diabetic foot health strategy which is based upon scientifically proven methods promoted by the Australian Podiatry Council and Diabetes Australia. It is recommended that people with diabetes (especially insulin dependent diabetics) organise a regular appointment with one of our Podiatrists to care for a comprehensive assessment of your needs and to outline a management plan.
Our Podiatry team has created a three step program to manage diabetic foot health.
Remember feet are for life…
Make a time with one of our podiatry team to implement a pragmatic and effective strategy.
Recommendation: A few simple steps can help prevent foot problems. A checklist of simple strategies to care for feet include:
- Check feet daily for any signs of skin abrasions, blisters, corns or changes in colour
- Wash feet daily and dry well between the toes
- Keep toenails trimmed. Cut toenails straight across and file rough edges
- Avoid foot trauma by wearing well-fitting, protective shoes
- Do not treat corns or callus using home remedies or using commercially available corn pads. Rather have your feet treated by a podiatrist
- Avoid wearing tight shoes. Have enough toe room within the shoe to prevent over-crowding of the toes
Regular Podiatry appointments have been proven to improve quality of life and prevent diabetic foot related complications.
Arthritis
The major types of arthritis that affect the foot and ankle are Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid arthritis.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative or wear-and-tear arthritis, is a common problem for many people commonly affecting the toes, ankle and midfoot.
Osteoarthritis develops slowly, causing pain and stiffness that worsen over time.
In osteoarthritis, the cartilage in the joint gradually wears away. As the cartilage wears away, it becomes frayed and rough, and the protective space between the bones decreases. This can result in bone rubbing on bone, and produce painful osteophytes (bone spurs).
Factors that cause osteoarthritis:
- Previous injury to joint e.g. “old football / running injury”;
- Age secondary to Occupational hazards (prolonged standing on hard surfaces); ill-fitting shoes / ski boots etc
- Obesity
- Family history.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. This means that the immune cells attack the synovium covering the joint, causing it to swell. Over time, the synovium invades and damages the bone and cartilage, as well as ligaments and tendons, and may cause serious joint deformity and disability.
The exact cause of rheumatoid arthritis is not known.
Factors:
- Although it is not an inherited disease, research indicates some people have genes that make them more susceptible.
- There is usually a trigger, such as an infection or environmental factor, which activates the genes.
- When the body is exposed to this trigger, the immune system begins to produce substances that attack the joints.
How Podiatry helps.
The management of arthritis includes modification of causative factors. In the case of Osteoarthritis the prescription of shoes, strengthening exercises, arch supports all help to off-load the affected joint.
In the case of inflammatory – Rheumatoid arthritis, correct fitting shoes to accommodate distorted toes can be very helpful along with cushioning and support from bracing, orthotics and other modalities.
