Diabetic Foot Care & Assessments
Preventive neurovascular foot examinations and proactive skin care for patients living with Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes to prevent complications.
Hallmark Symptoms & Clinical Presentation
- • Loss of protective sensation, numbness, or 'pins and needles' in toes
- • Cold feet, pale skin, or delayed healing of small cuts and blisters
- • Development of hard corns, calluses, or cracked heel fissures
- • Foot shape changes or sudden swelling
Biomechanical Causes & Risk Factors
- Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (gradual nerve damage from elevated blood glucose)
- Peripheral arterial disease (reduced microvascular blood flow to the lower extremities)
- Unrelieved mechanical pressure over bony prominences
- Impaired immune response predisposing minor abrasions to rapid infection
Assessment Protocol at Eternal Podiatry:
We conduct a comprehensive annual diabetic foot risk assessment: Doppler ultrasound blood flow analysis, 10g monofilament neurological sensation testing, skin integrity examination, and risk classification.
Evidence-Based Treatment Pathways
- ✓ Gentle professional debridement of high-pressure calluses and corns
- ✓ Safe, sterile management of thickened or dystrophic toenails
- ✓ Custom pressure-offloading insoles to prevent pressure sores and ulceration
- ✓ Formal GP reporting and collaboration under Medicare Chronic Disease Management plans
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should a person with diabetes see a podiatrist?
Clinical guidelines recommend at least an annual comprehensive risk assessment for low-risk patients, and every 6 to 12 weeks for moderate-to-high risk patients requiring routine preventive care.
Can I use a Medicare referral for my diabetic foot assessment?
Yes. If your GP has prepared a Chronic Disease Management (EPC) plan, you can claim Medicare rebates towards your appointments at Eternal Podiatry.
Why is callus dangerous for a diabetic patient?
Callus acts like a hard stone under the foot during walking. With reduced sensation, high pressure beneath the callus can cause the deeper tissue to break down into a painless ulcer before the patient notices.
Get Lasting Relief
Book a clinical assessment at Aveley Medical Centre or Brecken Health South Perth.
✓ HICAPS Available: Swipe private health card on-site.
✓ Medicare EPC: GP chronic disease referrals accepted.
✓ No Referral Required: Direct booking for private patients.