Foot care – diabetic & basic foot care (mobile services available for seniors and individuals with special needs in the comfort of their own homes)
Looking after your feet can be challenging. Our foot care nurse/specialist will help you to ease the stress in the comfort of your own home.
Why?
Your feet are at risk because diabetes can cause damage to the nerves in your feet, blood circulation and infection. Having diabetes can increase your risk of foot ulcers and amputations. This damage is more likely if:
- You have had diabetes for a long time
- Your blood glucose levels have been too high for an extended period
- You smoke – smoking causes a reduced blood flow to your feet, wounds heal slowly
- You are inactive.
People who have had a foot ulcer or amputation in the past have a high risk of complications. Feet with calluses or deformities like claw toes also have increased risk if poor feeling and/or decreased blood flow are also present thus the reason will promote regular footcare done to our clients.
People with or without Diabetes may develop: –
- Corns and calluses which are caused by the friction and pressure of bony areas rubbing against shoes.
- Warts are skin growths caused by viruses. They are sometimes painful and if untreated, may spread
- Bunions develop when big toe joints are out of line and become swollen and tender. Bunions may be caused by poor-fitting shoes that press on a deformity or an inherited weakness in the foot. If a bunion is not severe, wearing shoes cut wide at the instep and toes may provide relief. Protective pads can also cushion the painful area
- Ingrown toenails occur when a piece of the nail breaks the skin. This is usually caused by improperly trimmed nails. Ingrown toenails are especially common in the large toes. Ingrown toenails can usually be avoided by cutting the toenail straight across and level with the top of the toe.
- Hammertoe is caused by shortening the tendons that control toe movements. The toe knuckle is usually enlarged, drawing the toe back. Over time, the joint enlarges and stiffens as it rubs against shoes. Your balance may be affected.
Spurs are calcium growths that develop on bones of the feet. They are caused by muscle strain in the feet and are irritated by standing for long periods of time, wearing badly fitting shoes, or being overweight. Sometimes they are completely painless, but at other times the pain can be severe.
Book for your basic/diabetic foot care today and get a 10% discount on your first visit!