Diabetes and foot complications
Diabetic foot complications are a major area of special interest for our practice. We have extensive experience and knowledge in this area. Of all of the foot problems our patients can present with, there is little that is more serious to life or limb than a foot complication due to diabetes.
Diabetes causes two main problems to the foot:
- Peripheral
Neuropathy - a degeneration of the nerves within the foot that can cause pain or
loss of feeling
- Peripheral
Arterial Disease - narrowing or blockages of the arteries which carry blood from the
heart down to the foot
 People with diabetes are at risk of developing ulcerations and infections within their feet, which have the potential to require an amputation of the foot or leg. In fact, the most common reason a person with diabetes will require hospitalisation is for a foot complication. Even trivial or minor injuries to the foot have the potential to become very serious and threaten a limb.
Graphic photo (left) of Diabetic foot ulcers
which require urgent podiatry care
Click for enlargement but be prepared!
HEALTH PROFESSIONALS RECOMMEND AN ANNUAL FOOT CHECK-UP FOR ALL PEOPLE WITH DIABETES.
Our podiatrists are very experienced in the care of people with diabetes, and Anthony Short and Lisa Gardner are consultant podiatrists to the Queensland Diabetes Centre at the Mater Hospital in Brisbane. We have also been involved in Diabetes Programs with the Divisions of General Practice, and training programs for doctors involved in the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, along with community education seminars with Diabetes Australia (QLD).
Foot Care Tips for people With Diabetes
- Always inspect your feet on a daily basis for injuries or problems
- See your podiatrist or doctor immediately if you suspect a problem
- Have a foot check-up with your podiatrist annually
- Keep your diabetes under good control - it lessens the chance of complications
- Never walk outdoors without shoes - prevention is the best cure!
- Don't try and treat foot problems like ingrown toenails or corns yourself, this can lead to serious consequences
- Buy well fitting shoes with plenty of room - running shoes are generally the best for people with diabetes
Charcot Joint or Charcot Foot
One of the lesser known, but most devastating, complications of diabetes is known as a Charcot neuroarthropathy (or a Charcot joint). The name is derived from a French physician, Dr Jean-Martin Charcot, who first identified this condition in patients with peripheral neuropathy (in this case, due to syphilis) whilst working in Paris in the 1800’s.
 Charcot neuroarthopathy is a situation where one or more joints within the foot can ‘collapse’ and cause serious deformity and instability, often after a seemingly trivial or inconsequential injury. The foot can change appearance quite dramatically over the course of a few months, and it is difficult to diagnose at first – as it is often confused with infection or gout. Long term, patients with a Charcot joint can be left with a severely deformed foot and high risk of ulceration (pictured left) or amputation.
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