Diabetic Feet Care, Podiatry, and Physiotherapy: What to Know

Posted by Alan - December 24, 2020


feet care

Living with diabetic feet can be a nuisance. You have to remember proper cleaning and wound management. Fortunately, podiatrists and physiotherapists are two medical care experts who can provide you with the services you need. But what exactly can you expect when you call for your first appointment for them? 

This article will discuss what podiatry and physiotherapy can offer you to treat your diabetic feet. We will also explain each treatment to help you get well-acquainted with it. This will help you become more responsible and proactive about caring for your health and welfare, especially since living with diabetes and caring for your feet should not be taken lightly! 

Podiatry’s and Physiotherapy’s Place in Diabetic Foot Care 

Diabetes is a chronic disease that impacts your body’s capabilities to process food, affecting your musculoskeletal health and leading to the narrowing of blood vessels and nerve ending. Remember, your feet are some of your body’s most vulnerable parts when it comes to diabetes because they can take on a lot of pressure due to weight distribution. That’s why you will have a hard time walking and can be exposed to other health complications, like foot ulcers and diabetic neuropathy. 

Fortunately, there are medical interventions that you can take advantage of, such as podiatry and physiotherapy. The podiatrist digs deep about your feet’s condition. As for physiotherapy, you can enhance your musculoskeletal health and development through targeted movement. That way, you can move better despite medical complications. 

Main Benefits of Podiatry and Physiotherapy in Diabetes and Foot Care

Consider the following benefits to understand better what to expect when you book your first appointment at our Anytime Physio clinic to treat your diabetic feet: 

  • Access to orthotic tools and physiotherapy techniques 

You may have a hard time walking because your footwear is not designed to accommodate diabetic feet. You may also lack the tools needed to treat your foot ulcers. Fortunately, you can consult with our podiatrists who can prescribe you customised orthotic tools to ease your movement. You can also undergo a gait assessment to identify pain areas and mitigate ulcer formation. 

Another solution that can help you treat your diabetic feet are conditioning exercises and physiotherapy techniques to let you move and feel better. For instance, you can undergo yoga and clinical pilates to condition your feet, upper body, and lower back. That way, you can encourage healthy blood flow and nerve activity despite your diabetes. 

  • Managing peripheral neuropathy 

One of the major health complications you need to manage when you have diabetes is peripheral neuropathy, a serious ailment that affects your nervous system, primarily outside the brain. It causes numbness and excruciating pain in the hands and feet, limiting your mobility. Unfortunately, this condition can prevent you from maintaining your active lifestyle, which is crucial to managing your health. 

The best way to ensure that you can manage to adapt to peripheral neuropathy is through podiatry and physiotherapy. These treatments can strengthen your muscles, allowing you to manage your symptoms and pain better while keeping active. That way, you can become healthier through diet and exercise and live a normal life despite your medical complications! 

Conclusion 

Living with diabetes can be challenging, especially when you have to care for your feet. Fortunately, you now have a better idea of how podiatrists and physiotherapists can help you. Remember all the formerly mentioned benefits and seek the services you need today! 

Anytime Physio can provide you with the best podiatry services in Brisbane to treat your diabetic feet. We can also offer you the best physiotherapy services to ensure you are staying active and healthy. Book your appointment with us to care for your feet and look after your health and well-being!