Image used for representation only.
Hamad General Hospital’s Podiatry Clinic sees around 70 patients a day, including a large number of diabetics.
Dr Talal Khader Talal, Head of Podiatric Services at Hamad Medical Corporation says it’s important for diabetics to get their feet inspected every day and do an annual checkup with podiatry clinic as part of managing diabetes.
“Inspecting your feet every day, and seeking care early in case of a foot injury, is essential for good diabetes management. Make sure your healthcare team checks your feet at least once a year – more often if you have foot problems. Your physician can also explain the do’s and don’ts of good foot care,” said Dr Talal.
“Most patients can prevent serious foot problems by following simple steps such as examining their bare feet daily, remaining physically active, avoiding smoking and not crossing their legs for long periods of time.
Diabetics are also advised to wear protective shoes that are comfortable and cover the whole foot. Heels and sandals should be avoided since they expose the foot and don’t provide a level platform, making one more susceptible to injury,” he added.
Diabetes damages the small blood vessels that feed the nerves in extremities, particularly in the legs. This leads to a loss of sensation, which leaves diabetics with a condition called diabetic neuropathy.
Nerve damage can also create deformities of the foot that can be painful. Dr Talal said treatment can vary from using special insoles to support foot’s form to surgeries that fix the bone structure.
Regular podiatric checkups from 15 years after diagnosis with Type 1 diabetes and from five years after diagnosis with Type 2 diabetes are recommended.
“If patients suffer injury they should seek treatment on the same day. Wound healing is slow for diabetic patients and we can help them to recover in a suitable way, preventing any possible complications from the injury,” Dr. Talal added.
