The Importance of Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects the feet more than most people expect. Changes to the nerves and blood flow can make small injuries harder to notice and slower to heal, and a blister or cut that would normally be minor can become serious. The good news is that most diabetes-related foot problems can be prevented with regular checks, good daily habits and early treatment.

At East Gosford Podiatry, we help people living with diabetes keep their feet healthy, pick up changes early and manage any problems before they affect comfort, mobility or independence.

How diabetes affects your feet

Diabetes affects the feet in two main ways:

Nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy). Reduced sensation means you may not feel a cut, blister, stone in your shoe or burn from hot water. Some people notice tingling, burning or numbness, while others have no symptoms at all.
Reduced blood flow. Poor circulation slows healing and makes it harder for the body to fight infection.

When the two occur together, a small problem can turn into an ulcer or infection quickly. Diabetes can also cause dry, cracked skin and changes in foot shape, which create new pressure points. This is why foot care is an important part of diabetes management, even when your feet feel fine.

Why regular foot checks matter

Many diabetes-related foot problems develop without pain, so you can’t rely on your feet to tell you something is wrong. A regular podiatry check picks up early changes in sensation, circulation, skin and pressure areas, often well before they become a problem. Early treatment is far simpler than managing an ulcer or infection, and it’s one of the most effective ways to avoid hospital admission or surgery.

What happens during a diabetes foot assessment?

A diabetes foot assessment usually includes:

Checking the skin for cuts, blisters, cracks, sores or signs of infection
Testing sensation to detect nerve changes
Checking the pulses and circulation in your feet
Looking at foot shape, pressure areas and the way you walk
Assessing nail and skin health
Reviewing your footwear

At the end of the assessment, your podiatrist will explain your foot risk level, what it means for you and how often you should be seen.

How often should your feet be checked?

Most people with diabetes should have a professional foot assessment at least once a year. If you have reduced sensation, poor circulation, changes in foot shape or a history of ulcers, you’ll need to be seen more often, sometimes every one to three months.

Daily self-checks at home are just as important, as they help you catch problems between visits.

How we help

Our diabetic foot care includes:

Annual diabetes foot assessments and ongoing monitoring
Safe nail care, including thickened and ingrown toenails
Removal of corns and calluses, which reduces pressure and the risk of ulcers
Monitoring of wounds and pressure areas, working with your GP and diabetes team
Footwear advice, including whether specialised diabetic footwear is needed
Custom orthotics to redistribute pressure away from vulnerable areas
Practical education on daily foot care and what to look out for

For patients who find it hard to get to the clinic, we also offer home podiatry visits and see residents in more than 20 aged care facilities across the Central Coast.

Daily foot care at home

Check your feet every day

Look over your feet daily for cuts, redness, swelling, blisters, cracks or changes in colour. Check between your toes too. If you can’t see the soles of your feet easily, use a mirror or ask someone to help.

Wash, dry and moisturise

Wash your feet daily in warm (not hot) water and test the temperature with your elbow first. Dry thoroughly, especially between the toes. Avoid long soaks, which soften the skin and make it more likely to break down. Moisturise to prevent cracking, but don’t apply cream between the toes.

Protect your feet

Avoid walking barefoot, even inside. Shake out your shoes before putting them on, and wear clean, seam-free socks. Avoid hot water bottles, heat packs and sitting close to heaters, as reduced sensation means burns can happen without you noticing.

Take care with nails, corns and calluses

Cut toenails straight across and gently file any sharp edges. If your nails are thick or hard to reach, let your podiatrist look after them. Never cut corns or calluses yourself, and avoid medicated corn pads, as the acid in them can cause wounds that are slow to heal.

Keep moving

Gentle activity such as walking or swimming supports circulation and overall health. When sitting, move your toes and ankles regularly and avoid crossing your legs for long periods.

Choosing the Right Footwear

Wearing well fitting, supportive footwear is an important part of diabetic foot care. The right shoes can help reduce pressure, prevent injuries, and lower the risk of skin breakdown.

When choosing footwear, look for shoes that:

Fit comfortably without rubbing or squeezing
Provide good support and cushioning
Allow room for your toes to move freely
Are made from breathable materials
Have a smooth interior with no rough seams
Can be adjusted with laces, straps, or Velcro for swelling

Shoes that are worn out or no longer supportive should be replaced, as they can increase pressure on certain areas of the foot.

If you have existing foot problems, reduced sensation, or changes in foot shape, a podiatrist can help guide you on suitable footwear and let you know if specialised diabetic shoes are recommended.

By carefully selecting shoes that offer comfort, support, and protection, individuals with diabetes can take an important step towards preventing foot injuries and complications. Regular consultations with a podiatrist can also provide personalised recommendations tailored to your specific foot health needs.

Check out our range of Archies Thongs.

Choosing the right footwear

Shoes that don’t fit well are one of the most common causes of diabetes-related foot problems. Look for shoes that:

Fit comfortably with no rubbing or tight spots
Have enough depth and width for your toes
Offer good support and cushioning
Have a smooth lining with no rough seams
Fasten with laces, straps or Velcro, so they can be adjusted if your feet swell

Wear new shoes in gradually, and replace shoes once they lose their support. If you have reduced sensation or changes in foot shape, ask your podiatrist before buying new footwear, as you may need specialised diabetic shoes.

When to seek help urgently

A cut, blister or sore that isn’t healing
Redness, warmth or swelling in part of the foot
Discharge, a bad smell or new pain
A change in skin colour, such as blue, black or very pale areas
Sudden swelling or a change in foot shape, even without pain

If you feel unwell or have a fever along with a foot wound, seek medical care immediately.

Medicare and diabetic foot care

If you have diabetes, you may be eligible for a Medicare rebate on podiatry visits through a GP chronic condition management plan. Ask your GP whether you qualify. DVA referrals are also accepted.

Book a diabetes foot assessment

Whether you’ve just been diagnosed or have lived with diabetes for years, regular foot care is one of the best ways to protect your mobility and independence. Our team sees patients from across the Central Coast, including Gosford, Wyoming, Erina, Terrigal and Green Point. Call us on 02 4325 0600 to book a diabetes foot assessment.

We Accept Patients from all over the Central Coast

If you are in East Gosford and surrounding suburbs and are in need of a Podiatry appointment due to lower limb or feet issues you may need orthotics. Please contact our clinic on (02) 4325 0600