Living with diabetes shouldn't mean giving up the activities you love. Whether you enjoy strolling through downtown Collingwood, hiking the Bruce Trail, or spending time with grandchildren, maintaining proper foot health is crucial for your quality of life.
At Abbott Foot & Ankle Clinic in Collingwood, chiropodist Tony Abbott brings over thirty years of experience in helping diabetic patients protect their feet and prevent complications. We understand that managing diabetes is already challenging enough—that's why we focus on making foot care the easiest part of your health maintenance routine.
Understanding Diabetes and Your Foot Health
More than 3 million Canadians have diabetes, and countless others may have pre-diabetes without realizing it. Living with diabetes requires careful attention to your foot health. Our clinic provides comprehensive diabetic foot care services, including:
- Regular assessments. Professional foot examinations every 4-6 weeks for high-risk patients or annually for those with well-controlled diabetes
- Preventive care. Custom orthotics and proper footwear recommendations to prevent pressure points and injuries
- Early intervention. Swift treatment of minor issues before they become major problems
- Education. Practical guidance for daily foot care and diabetes management
How Diabetes Affects Your Feet and Legs
High blood sugar levels gradually damage blood vessels and nerves throughout your body, but these effects often appear first in your feet and legs. Uncontrolled diabetes can create a perfect environment for serious foot problems by reducing blood flow exactly where your body needs it most for healing and reducing your ability to feel pain that would normally warn you of injury.
Think of your circulatory system as a network of rivers delivering vital nutrients to your feet and legs. When diabetes narrows these vessels, it's like placing rocks and debris in those rivers, making it harder for blood to reach its destination. At the same time, nerve damage can create a dangerous situation where you might not feel a small cut, blister, or even a pebble in your shoe. This combination means minor problems can quickly become serious—a tiny cut you don't feel can develop into a difficult-to-heal ulcer when poor circulation prevents proper healing.
The stakes are especially high for your lower extremities because they're furthest from your heart and most affected by gravity. Statistics show that “Approximately 40% to 60% of nontraumatic lower-limb amputations worldwide are caused by diabetic complications, and 80% of these amputations follow diabetic foot ulcer.” However, with professional monitoring, proper foot care, and blood sugar management, you can significantly reduce your risk of these serious complications.
Signs and Symptoms of Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy
Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) mainly affects the feet and lower legs. Understanding these symptoms helps you recognize when to seek professional care. Common signs include:
- Burning sensations. Sharp or constant burning feelings in your feet
- Tingling and numbness. "Pins and needles" sensations that may interfere with sleep
- Loss of feeling. Partial or complete numbness in affected areas
About half of all people with diabetes develop some form of peripheral neuropathy. Risk factors include:
- Being over age 40
- Carrying excess weight
- Having poorly controlled blood sugar
- Living with diabetes for many years
Other Foot and Ankle Problems Caused by Diabetes
While neuropathy is a common concern, diabetes can lead to various foot health issues that require professional attention. Our clinic regularly treats:
Circulation Problems
Poor blood flow can slow healing and increase infection risk. We perform thorough circulation assessments and provide treatments to improve blood flow to your feet. Regular monitoring of your circulation helps us detect changes early, allowing us to adjust your treatment plan before serious complications develop. Even subtle changes in temperature or color can signal the need for intervention.
Skin Changes
Diabetes often causes dry, cracked skin that can lead to infections. Elevated blood sugar levels create an environment where fungal infections thrive, particularly in toenails and between toes. These infections can be more severe and more challenging to treat in people with diabetes. We offer specialized treatments and recommend appropriate moisturizers to maintain healthy skin. These skin changes can occur gradually and may seem minor at first, but without proper care, they can create entry points for infection and lead to serious complications. Our proactive approach helps prevent these issues from developing.
Foot Deformities
Changes in foot structure can develop due to nerve damage and weakened muscles. Over time, diabetes can affect the way you walk and stand, potentially leading to conditions like hammer toes, bunions, or collapsed arches. Charcot foot is a serious condition where the bones in the foot become weakened and can fracture or dislocate, leading to severe deformity. Without proper treatment, the arch of your foot may collapse altogether, creating what's known as a "rocker bottom" foot. Early intervention with proper support can help maintain your foot structure and prevent permanent deformities.
Calluses and Corns
People with diabetes tend to develop calluses more frequently and build them up more quickly than those without diabetes. These thick patches of skin can become painful pressure points and, if not properly managed, may develop into open sores. Professional removal is essential, as attempting self-treatment can lead to injuries.
Limited Joint Mobility
Diabetes can affect the tendons and ligaments in your feet, reducing flexibility and range of motion. This condition, sometimes called "diabetic foot stiffness," can change the way pressure is distributed across your feet when walking, leading to an increased risk of ulcers and injuries.
The Importance of Regular Diabetic Foot Examinations
Your risk level determines how often you need professional foot care:
- Mild Risk: Annual comprehensive diabetic foot exam for well-controlled diabetes with no nerve damage
- Moderate Risk: Examinations every 4-6 months if you show early signs of nerve or circulation problems
- Severe Risk: Professional care every 4-6 weeks if you have significant numbness or previous ulcers
What to Expect During Your Comprehensive Diabetic Foot Exam
During your visit, we perform a thorough assessment that includes:
- Measuring pedal pulses and capillary refill time
- Evaluating light touch and vibration sensation
- Checking temperature, hair growth, and muscle strength
- Analyzing your gait, balance, and reflexes
- Using our iStep digital scanner to identify potential problem areas
- Reviewing your shoes, orthotics, and sock choices
Non-Drug Treatment Options for Diabetic Neuropathy
While many health care providers focus solely on prescribing medications like antidepressants, pain relievers, and anticonvulsants, Tony Abbott offers several innovative, drug-free treatments to help manage symptoms and improve your quality of life:
- Medical foods. Specialized supplements like Neuremedy and Metanx support nerve health and function.
- Topical treatments. Professional-grade products such as Biofreeze Spray and Neuragen provide targeted relief.
- Light therapy. Advanced Anodyne/Revitamed treatments stimulate circulation and promote healing.
- TENS therapy. Electrical nerve stimulation helps reduce pain and discomfort.
- Physiotherapy. Targeted exercises and treatments to maintain mobility and strength.