Diabetic Foot Care & Treatment in Guelph and Milton

Diabetic foot care is essential, and treatment of diabetic foot problems is often necessary for people with diabetes. If you are having issues with diabetic feet, Custom Foot Clinic can help you address any issues and implement an ongoing care routine for your feet.

Chiropodist Trina Scarrow, BSc, DCh, has provided diabetes foot care for Guelph and Milton patients for over 20 years. Diabetic patients book regular visits for foot care or an annual foot check as part of managing their diabetes.

Why is special foot care required?

Foot problems are common in people with diabetes. You must check your feet for cuts, abrasions, and signs of irritation every day and protect them with proper footwear. When you do not protect your feet properly, infections can develop from minor injuries and turn into wounds or ulcers.

Some people with diabetes have mobility or flexibility issues, diminished eyesight, circulation issues and neuropathy, and should be seen by a chiropodist regularly. Our goal is to take good care of your feet and catch things before they become more serious.

Is diabetic foot care covered by OHIP?

Residents of Ontario with diabetes qualify for foot care checks by their physicians and special diabetic programs through their doctor when available. However, OHIP does not pay for private chiropodist foot care services like callus removal, ingrown toenails, trimming of toenails, etc. As a Registered Chiropodist Foot Specialist, we provide proper professional foot care for people with diabetes.

Are diabetics entitled to free foot care?

In Ontario, people with diabetes are entitled to foot care checks by their physician and physician-directed diabetic programs. However, physicians do not do foot care like callus removal, ingrown toenails, and trimming of toenails.

Foot care by a community-based Chiropodist is not free but highly recommended. Chiropodists today have 7 years of post-secondary education specializing on the feet. We work on our feet every day and know what is in the normal range and what needs medical attention as soon as possible.

How do Chiropodists treat diabetic feet?

Chiropodists are Foot Specialists who are trained to help with problems that affect your feet. We can assess, treat, and help prevent foot problems, prescribe medications as necessary, provide orthotic and orthopaedic offloading devices as required, and offer helpful solutions for care at home.

At Custom Foot Clinic, we offer the following diabetic foot care and treatment:

• Professional Diabetic Nail Cutting – Regular toenail cutting can prevent ingrown nails, discomfort, and infection. Is there a wrong way to cut toenails? Absolutely. Especially when it comes to people with diabetes.
• Assessment of Cuts, Abrasions, and Open Wounds – This is key to avoid more serious complications. See below for more on foot infections.
• Prescribe Diabetic Skin Conditioning Cream – Topical medication for diabetic neuropathy and diminished circulation.
• Treatment of Ingrown Toenails – These can occur because of improper nail trimming, heredity influences, or poorly fitting footwear.
• Treatment of Callus, Corns, or Patches of Thickened Skin – These can lead to infection if not properly treated.
• Treatment of Ulcers – Management consists of evaluation, care, and appropriate dressings.
• Treatment of Skin Cracks or Fissures in areas of the callus.
• Provide Custom Orthotics – Specifically designed for diabetic foot concerns and diabetic orthopaedic footwear

What do I do if I have a foot infection?

An infection may be present if you see any combination of these symptoms: redness, swelling, open sores, pus, red streaks, pain, or warmth.

If you do not feel any pain, it may be due to a loss of sensation. The first thing you should do right away if you think you have a foot infection is call your physician or Chiropodist. If it is after hours, call your doctor’s emergency number.

For a minor infection, book an appointment. We will clean the infection and give you antibiotics to keep the infection from spreading and healing. Be sure to take the antibiotics for the entire length of treatment since it will not work if you skip doses. Prompt detection of an infection in its earliest stages will help to avoid a possible hospital stay.

Daily Tips for Diabetec Foot Care

A good daily foot care routine – like the one below from Diabetes Canada – and good blood sugar control will help keep your feet healthy.

• Wash your feet in warm (not hot) water, using a mild soap. Don’t soak your feet, as this can dry your skin.
• Dry your feet carefully, especially between your toes.
• Thoroughly check your feet and between your toes to make sure there are no cuts, cracks, ingrown toenails, blisters, etc. Use a hand mirror to see the bottom of your feet, or ask someone else to check them for you.
• Clean cuts or scratches with mild soap and water, and cover with a dry dressing suitable for sensitive skin.
• Trim your toenails straight across and file any sharp edges. Don’t cut the nails too short.
• Apply a good lotion to your heels and soles. Wipe off excess lotion that is not absorbed. Don’t put lotion between your toes, as excessive moisture can promote infection.
• Wear fresh, clean socks and well-fitting shoes every day. Whenever possible, wear white socks – if you have a cut or sore, the drainage will be easy to see.

If you are having issues with your feet or you’re trying to prevent a problem, book an appointment today at the Guelph Foot Clinic or Milton Foot Clinic. We are available Monday – Friday and have evening hours 3 days a week.