The importance of foot health
Foot health is vital for people with diabetes. Foot disease is the leading cause of diabetes-related hospitalisations and amputations. More than 12,500 Australians have had a diabetes related amputation and an additional 12 undergo a diabetes related amputation each day.
Poor foot health can have long lasting impacts on quality of life, mobility and mortality, and result in an increased financial burden.
Be proactive about your foot health
Prevention is the best way to combat diabetes-related foot diseases and avoid further complications, such as amputation or prolonged hospitalisation. Simple things you can do include (but are not limited to):
- Check at-risk feet daily for signs of injury, or noticeable changes in sensitivity or appearance.
- Inform your health professional of any pain, swelling, throbbing, temperature changes or changes to skin colouration.
- Wear appropriate footwear that fits and protects the foot.
- Educate not only yourself, but also friends and family.
- Book an annual foot assessment.
- If you have a foot ulcer or foot infection, seek urgent medical help and a referral to a multidisciplinary foot ulcer team.
Multidisciplinary Complex Foot Service
St John of God Midland Public Hospital runs one of the only multidisciplinary complex foot services at a general hospital. The service provides people with foot ulcers, most often relating to diabetes, access to multidisciplinary review and management to ensure the optimal treatment outcomes.
Evidence-based care and best practice processes are undertaken to assist patients with avoiding hospitalisation, minimising impact and prevent further amputation.
The public clinic accepts referrals from GPs, medical specialists and community podiatrists.