Care 4 Feet

Are you at Risk

of LIMB LOSS?

TAKE THE QUIZ HERE

over 1 million Australians have TYPE 2 diabetes.

It is estimated that 85 amputations are caused by diabetes every week in Australia.

Up to 85 percent of diabetic foot complications can be prevented with education and awareness of diabetes foot care.

Looking after your feet can prevent
further problems and serious complications
even amputation

Facts about feet

Australia has the second highest rate of diabetes related amputations in the developed world.

When you have diabetes or vascular problems you need to care for your feet every day.

 

High Risk Feet

A high risk foot is one that is vulnerable to amputation. People with high risk feet usually have less sensation due to poor blood flow or nerve damage; meaning that feet may feel numb, cold or both. This is often the result of diabetes or vascular disease. Due to the lack of sensation you may not notice things like a stone in your shoe, or if your shoe is not fitting correctly. Blisters or skin damage can go unnoticed. For this reason it is important to check your feet every day, and report any new problems immediately. People with high risk feet have usually experienced an ulcer, infection, or have possibly already experienced an amputation.

 

Foot ulcers

Diabetic foot ulcers are sores that occur on the feet of people with Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes that fail to heal in a timely manner. Diabetic foot ulcers often occur on the bottom of the foot. They require immediate treatment.

Calluses

A callus is an area of hard, thickened skin on foot that has formed in response to pressure or friction. Ulcers can form under callus.

Claw toes

A claw toe is a toe that is bent at the middle and or end joints in the toe, and can lead to severe pressure and pain; particularly if wearing poorly fitted shoes.

Amputation

Is the permanent surgical removal of a body part.

 

People with high risk feet should have regular check-ups. If you have high risk feet you should have them checked by your doctor or podiatrist every 3 to 6 months.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders suffer the greatest risk of amputation as a direct complication of diabetes. Major amputations are 38 times more likely in Aboriginal people that non-Aboriginal people (aged 25 – 49).

If you are working in remote healthcare and would like access to Care 4 Feet information please email or telephone toll free 1300 782 231.

Low Risk Feet

A low risk foot can be described as a foot which has normal feeling and sensation, for example; you would be aware if you had a stone in your shoe, and no history of foot ulcers or amputations. Low risk feet have a healthy skin colour and are normal in temperature. If you want to know more about your foot health visit your doctor or podiatrist.

 

 

Toe the line for healthy feet

How to care for your feet

  • Have regular check-ups with a podiatrist. If you have high-risk feet every 3-6 months is recommended
  • If you have diabetes, don’t walk barefoot - always wear shoes to protect them from injury
  • Have your shoes fitted by a professional
  • Maintain good foot hygiene, wash and properly dry your feet every day
  • Look for any signs of swelling, redness, cuts and blisters and check between your toes
  • Don’t wear socks or stockings that are too tight
  • Make sure that socks are dry and seamless
  • Do not expose your feet to direct heat (eg: hot water bottles) or direct cold (ice packs)
  • Ingrown toenails can lead to problems, so make sure that your toenails are always properly maintained
  • Never use foot spas
  • Do not ignore pain or other symptoms
  • Maintain a healthy diet
  • Check with your physiotherapist for a safe exercise program that does not stress your feet
  • QUIT smoking
  • Check your feet every day and use a mirror to check underneath your feet
  • Seek medical advice immediately if you notice any changes in your feet
  • If you have diabetes monitor you blood sugar level in line with the healthy range
  • Check your feet more often with new or different shoes

 

It’s time to stand up to the
statistics. 85 percent of
diabetes related amputations
are preventable.

Resources

The Care 4 Feet campaign is a call to action from Limbs 4 Life to encourage Australians to take care of their feet, reduce foot related complications, visit regularly with a podiatrist and prevent amputation.

When you have diabetes or vascular problems you need to care for your feet every day.

 

If you are a service provider contact us to order free information cards and awareness posters for your facility.

 

The following Care 4 Feet information cards have been created to help with quick tips and vital facts to ensure healthy feet.

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Support Links

References

  • Medical Journal of Australia 197 (4) 20 August 2012 ‘ A limbs is lost every 3 hours: Can Australia reduce amputations in people with diabetes? Australian Diabetes Foot Network, Australian Diabetes Society Sydney NSW. Dol: 10.5694/mja10.10837
  • AIHW Morbidity data cubes amputation procedures 2000 – 2008
  • Australian Podiatry Council – Your Podiatrist Talks about Ageing
  • Diabetes Australia web article - Diabetes and your feet
  • Melbourne Health, Media release 30 August 2012
  • Healthy Lifestyles 2002 - 2007, A strategic Framework for Primary Prevention of Diabetes and Cardiovascular disease WA
  • 2002-2007m WADS
  • AIHW Diabetes: Australian Facts 2008.
  • Lesley et al. The Lower Limb in People with Diabetes. Medical Journal Australia 2000
  • Government of Western Australia, Department of Health
  • World Health Organisation Geneva (CHE): WHO, 2005 (cited 11 August 2007) World Diabetes Day 2005
  • Queensland University of Technology – et al. Pete Lazzarini/Shan Bergin. How Australians can reduce diabetes-related amputations

 

 

 

Help us spread the word.
If you or someone you know
is at risk we can help

Contact

 
Contact Info

+ 1300 782 231

P.O.Box 282
Doncaster Heights,
Victoria 3109.