Diabetes affects millions of people and can have a significant impact on many areas of the body, including the feet. Changes to circulation, nerve function and the body’s ability to heal mean that people living with diabetes are at a greater risk of developing foot problems. Even a small blister, cut or area of hard skin can become serious if it is not recognised and treated promptly.
The good news is that many diabetic foot complications are preventable. Regular professional foot care, combined with good daily foot care at home, can help keep your feet healthy and reduce the risk of more serious problems.
At Arco Healthcare Clinic, we provide expert Chiropody Widnes, Foot Care Widnes, and Podiatry Widnes services, offering comprehensive diabetic foot assessments and treatment to help protect your long-term foot health.
Why Does Diabetes Affect the Feet?
High blood glucose levels over time can damage the nerves and blood vessels that supply your feet. This can lead to reduced sensation, poor circulation and slower healing, increasing the risk of injury and infection.
Because your feet are subjected to constant pressure when standing and walking, they are particularly vulnerable to complications if problems go unnoticed.
Reduced Sensation (Peripheral Neuropathy)
One of the most common complications of diabetes is peripheral neuropathy, a condition that affects the nerves in your feet.
When sensation is reduced, you may not notice:
- Cuts or grazes.
- Blisters caused by footwear.
- Burns from hot surfaces.
- Stones or objects inside your shoes.
- Corns or calluses becoming painful.
- Small injuries to the skin.
Without the warning signs of pain, these minor problems can worsen before they are detected, increasing the risk of infection and more serious complications.
Poor Circulation
Diabetes can also affect the blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the feet.
Poor circulation can result in:
- Slower healing of cuts and wounds.
- Cold feet.
- Dry skin.
- Increased risk of infection.
- Delayed recovery following injury.
When wounds do not heal properly, they can develop into ulcers that require specialist treatment.
Increased Risk of Foot Ulcers
A diabetic foot ulcer is an open wound that most commonly develops on the sole of the foot or over areas exposed to repeated pressure.
Ulcers often occur when reduced sensation means a person does not notice ongoing rubbing or injury.
Without prompt treatment, ulcers can become infected and may lead to serious complications.
Regular professional foot assessments are one of the most effective ways to reduce this risk.
Common Foot Problems in People with Diabetes
People living with diabetes are more likely to experience a variety of foot conditions, including:
Hard Skin and Calluses
Although hard skin develops naturally in response to pressure, excessive build-up can increase pressure on the tissues beneath the skin.
If left untreated, calluses can contribute to ulcer formation, particularly in people with reduced sensation.
Corns
Corns develop where repeated pressure or friction occurs.
People with diabetes should never attempt to remove corns themselves or use medicated corn plasters, as these can damage healthy skin and increase the risk of infection.
Cracked Heels
Dry skin is common in people with diabetes. Deep heel cracks provide an entry point for bacteria, increasing the likelihood of infection.
Professional treatment safely removes thickened skin and helps maintain healthy heels.
Thickened Toenails
Thickened or difficult-to-cut toenails can place pressure on neighbouring toes or become difficult to manage safely at home.
Routine nail care provided by a chiropodist helps reduce discomfort and lowers the risk of injury.
Ingrown Toenails
An ingrown toenail can quickly become painful and infected if left untreated.
Professional treatment safely relieves the problem while protecting the surrounding skin.
Why Regular Professional Foot Care Is Essential
Many diabetic foot complications develop gradually and may not cause pain until significant damage has occurred.
Routine Foot Care Widnes appointments allow problems to be identified and treated at an early stage, reducing the risk of infection, ulceration and hospital treatment.
Preventative care is one of the most important aspects of diabetic foot health.
How Professional Chiropody Treatment Can Help
At Arco Healthcare Clinic, our experienced team provides personalised diabetic foot care designed to protect your feet and reduce the risk of complications.
Comprehensive Foot Assessments
Every appointment begins with a detailed assessment of your foot health.
This may include:
- Examination of the skin and nails.
- Assessment of circulation.
- Sensation testing where appropriate.
- Identification of pressure areas.
- Assessment of footwear.
- Advice on reducing your individual risk factors.
These regular assessments help detect changes before they become serious.
Safe Nail Care
Cutting toenails can become difficult if you have diabetes, reduced mobility or poor eyesight.
Professional nail care reduces the risk of accidental cuts and helps prevent ingrown toenails and infections.
Safe Removal of Hard Skin
Hard skin and calluses should always be treated by a qualified professional if you have diabetes.
Using sterile clinical instruments, your chiropodist safely removes excess hard skin while protecting healthy tissue and reducing pressure on vulnerable areas.
Footwear Advice
Wearing appropriate footwear is one of the best ways to prevent diabetic foot problems.
Your chiropodist can recommend shoes that:
- Fit correctly.
- Reduce friction.
- Provide good cushioning.
- Support your feet.
- Minimise pressure points.
Even small changes to your footwear can significantly reduce the risk of injury.
Advice on Daily Foot Care
Your chiropodist will also provide practical advice to help you care for your feet between appointments.
This may include guidance on:
- Daily foot inspections.
- Moisturising dry skin.
- Safe nail care.
- Choosing appropriate footwear and socks.
- Recognising early warning signs of foot problems.
Caring for Your Feet Every Day
Daily foot care is an important part of managing diabetes.
You should:
- Check your feet every day for cuts, blisters, redness or swelling.
- Wash and dry your feet carefully, especially between the toes.
- Moisturise dry skin, avoiding the spaces between the toes.
- Wear clean, well-fitting socks every day.
- Never walk barefoot, even indoors.
- Seek professional advice if you notice any changes to your feet.
Small problems are much easier to treat when they are identified early.
When Should You See a Chiropodist?
You should arrange a professional Podiatry Widnes appointment if you notice:
- Hard skin or calluses.
- Corns.
- Cracked heels.
- Thickened toenails.
- Ingrown toenails.
- Blisters or cuts.
- Swelling or redness.
- Loss of feeling in your feet.
- Any wound that is slow to heal.
Even if your feet feel healthy, routine diabetic foot assessments are recommended to help prevent problems before they develop.
Professional Diabetic Foot Care at Arco Healthcare Clinic
Living with diabetes does not mean you will inevitably develop serious foot problems, but it does mean your feet require extra attention. Regular professional care, combined with good daily foot care, can significantly reduce the risk of complications and help you stay active and independent.
At Arco Healthcare Clinic, we provide trusted Chiropody Widnes, comprehensive Foot Care Widnes, and expert Podiatry Widnes services for people living with diabetes. Our experienced team is committed to helping you maintain healthy feet through preventative care, early intervention and personalised treatment, giving you confidence with every step.
For further information contact our experienced reception team or alternatively click here to book your appointment. To use your healthcare policy and claim back treatment cost check the podiatrist register with the following link.