Diabetes and Neurovascular Assessment
Mount Eliza & Mornington Peninsula Area
When we manage diabetes, a thorough podiatry service plays an essential role in maintaining foot health and preventing complications. By reviewing your medical history, including previous foot issues and diabetes management, we tailor our approach to meet your needs. Regular inspections help us identify any changes in your skin condition, toenail health, and foot shape. We also assess for nerve damage through your reported symptoms and physical exams. Monitoring foot circulation guarantees any vascular complications are managed early, particularly in patients with peripheral vascular disease.
With proactive care and personalized plans, we aim to keep your feet healthy and reduce risks, offering deeper insights to further manage your condition.
Diabetic Feet Care at Step Ahead Podiatry:
Patient History
A patient’s medical history is essential in understanding how diabetes has affected their foot health over time. When conducting a thorough foot assessment, examining the diabetic individual’s past history is vital. This helps us identify patterns, potential complications, and provide tailored care through a comprehensive assessment to determine risk status.
We’ll assess past medical history, focusing on neuropathic and vascular symptoms, which can greatly impact foot health and may involve the testing of peripheral vascular function.
Additionally, understanding other diabetes-related complications allows us to tailor our care effectively and empathetically to each patient’s needs such as:
- any previous ulceration
- any history of amputation
- whether you have ever had a Charcot joint
- if you have ever had vascular surgery or angioplasty
- if you smoke cigarettes
Neuropathic Symptoms
In our evaluation of a patient’s history, we actively inquire about sensations such as tingling, burning, or numbness in their feet. These symptoms can indicate the early stages of nerve damage like sensitivity to touch or difficulty sensing temperature differences. By understanding these changes, we can better assess the risk of foot complications.
As we gather a thorough history, we strengthen our ability to devise effective strategies to protect your feet. Together, we can work towards mitigating the challenges posed by peripheral neuropathy.
Neuropathic symptoms:
- Burning or shooting pain
- Electrical or sharp sensations
- Numbness
- Feet feeling dead
Vascular Symptoms
We include reviewing vascular symptoms in our patient’s medical history, focusing on any previous vascular conditions or surgeries. This helps us understand potential risk factors and tailor our approach. During the physical examination, we assess the circulation by checking pulses and skin condition, looking for signs like discoloration or temperature changes.
It’s important to explore medical history to assess potential circulatory issues affecting foot health. By understanding the nuances of each patient’s condition, we can tailor a diabetic foot assessment that addresses specific vascular concerns. This evaluation is significant because impaired circulation can lead to serious complications, making early detection and intervention crucial.
- Claudication
- Rest pain
- Nonhealing ulcers
General Inspection
When did you last take a close look at your feet? For those of us managing diabetes, prioritising foot health is essential. Regular general inspection of your feet allows us to identify potential issues early on, guaranteeing that your skin integrity remains intact and healthy. By incorporating podiatric care into your routine, we can prevent complications that might otherwise go unnoticed.
During our inspection, we focus on several key areas:
| Inspection Area | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Skin Condition | Cracks, dryness, redness |
| Toenails | Ingrown, discolored |
| Foot Shape | Swelling, asymmetry |
| Sensation | Numbness, tingling |
By carefully examining these areas, we gain a better understanding of your foot health. If we notice anything unusual, it’s important to provide care promptly. Our podiatrists can offer valuable advice and treatment options to address any concerns you may have.
Make sure to bring any footwear you may be concerned about; usually what you wear most commonly. The podiatrist will examine your feet in a well-lit room after you remove your shoes and socks.
- They will inspect your shoes to see if they are appropriate for your feet and also offer recommendations for footwear or orthotics.
- They will look for signs of rubbing, erythema, blisters, or calluses, which can be caused by inappropriate footwear.
Let’s remember that your feet carry you through life, and by dedicating time to their upkeep, you’ll taking a significant step towards overall well-being. Together, we can guarantee your feet remain healthy and strong, helping you stay active and mobile.
Dermatological Assessment
In our dermatological assessment for diabetes, we focus on identifying issues like callus formation, nail dystrophy, and paronychia, which can lead to severe complications if untreated.
It’s essential we monitor these conditions closely because they can indicate underlying problems and affect overall foot health.
Our podiatrist will inspect your skin for:
- Ulceration
- Abnormal erythema
- Calluses (especially with hemorrhage)
- Nail dystrophy
- Paronychia
We offer professional toenail care services to help you keep on top of any toenail issues.
Musculoskeletal assessment
In our musculoskeletal assessment, we’ll focus on common foot deformities which can greatly impact your mobility.
Overlapping toes and rocker-bottom deformity due to Charcot arthropathy also demand our attention, as they can lead to severe complications if not properly managed.
Our podiatrist will look for any gross deformities in your feet, particularly in the digits.
- Claw toe
- Hammer toe
- Bunions
We will also look for signs of Charcot arthropathy, which often presents as a unilateral red, hot, swollen, flat foot with profound deformity.
Amid the complexities of diabetic foot issues, rocker-bottom deformity from Charcot arthropathy stands out as a particularly challenging condition. This deformity often results from nerve damage, leading to weakened bones in the foot.
When we’re dealing with this, it’s essential to perform a thorough neurovascular assessment. This helps us understand the extent of the diabetic neurovascular complications that might’ve contributed to the condition.
Neurological Assessment
In our neurological assessment, we focus on detecting peripheral neuropathy, a common complication in diabetes that can lead to serious foot issues.
We’ll use the monofilament test to check for loss of sensation in your feet and explore other tests to fully assess nerve function.
This test uses a biothesiometer to measure your ability to sense vibration.
When it comes to neurological assessments for diabetes, there are several key tests that help us understand nerve health.
We focus on vibration assessment and perception tests to evaluate how well patients can feel sensations.
Checking ankle reflexes and pinprick sensation further aids in identifying any nerve damage, ensuring we provide the best care for our patients.
Vascular Assessment
As we explore vascular evaluation in diabetic podiatry care, we’ll focus on pulse palpation and the use of a doppler ultrasound.
These tools help us understand blood flow in the lower limbs, which is essential for preventing complications.
When managing diabetes-related foot health, pulse palpation plays an essential role in vascular evaluation. It helps us gauge the blood flow to the feet, ensuring they’re receiving adequate circulation. A proper evaluation to determine the presence and quality of pulses along with blood flow can identify potential issues early, allowing for timely intervention.
Let’s explore what we look for during a pulse palpation:
- Superficial Cappillary Refill Plexus (SCRP): This uses the doppler ultrasound to show the volume of blood getting through the artery, and how quickly blood returns on pressure.
- Dorsalis Pedis Pulse: Located on the top of the foot, this pulse is vital in evaluating the blood flow to the feet. We gently feel for its presence and rhythm, which can tell us a lot about your vascular health.
- Posterior Tibial Pulse: Found behind the ankle, this pulse helps us gauge the blood supply to the foot’s sole. A strong, regular pulse here is a good sign of healthy circulation.
- Pulse Strength: We evaluate how strong or weak the pulse feels. A diminished pulse might indicate compromised blood flow, while a bounding pulse could suggest other health issues.
- Symmetry: Comparing pulses between both feet helps us identify any discrepancies that might point to vascular problems.
Understanding these aspects allows us to offer compassionate, informed care for those managing diabetes-related foot issues.
Step Ahead Podiatric Clinic
We’ve explained what to expect on the critical aspects of podiatry services for people with diabetes, focusing on patient history, general inspection, and detailed assessments. By understanding dermatological, musculoskeletal, neurological, and vascular factors, we can proactively manage complications and enhance the foot health of our patients.
It is crucial to stay vigilant and seek regular care, ensuring you’re equipped to address any issues promptly. Together, we can prevent serious consequences and support a healthier, more comfortable life for those living with diabetes.
If you think that you may have any of these conditions (or another) and want some friendly expert advice and treatment, please feel free to contact us at Step Ahead Podiatry.
Step Ahead Podiatry is located in Mount Eliza, along the Mornington Peninsula of Victoria.
We are ready to take your enquiries for a consultation on 03 9708 8626 or you can find our contact form at our Contact Us page if you prefer written communication.
How Often Should People With Diabetes See a Podiatrist?
You should visit a podiatrist annually, but more frequent visits might be necessary if complications arise. Prioritise your foot health by staying vigilant, as regular check-ups can prevent serious issues.
Can a Podiatrist Recommend Diabetic-Friendly Footwear?
Yes, we can certainly recommend diabetic-friendly footwear. Our goal is to guarantee your feet stay healthy. We’ll guide you in choosing shoes that provide the right support, fit, and protection to prevent complications.
What Are the Warning Signs of Diabetic Foot Problems?
Watch for warning signs like persistent pain, swelling, redness, warmth, or wounds that don’t heal. Numbness or tingling sensations are also concerning. It’s essential to address issues promptly to prevent serious complications.
How Can I Prevent Foot Ulcers as a Diabetic?
Help prevent foot ulcers by inspecting our feet daily, wearing proper footwear, keeping your feet clean and moisturised, maintaining blood sugar levels, and visiting a podiatrist regularly will all help prevention of ulceration on the feet.
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Book an appointment below or give us a call or email through the contact us page.