Diabetes and High Risk Foot Service
We are a team of highly skilled podiatrists who work closely with specialists in rheumatology, diabetes and vascular surgery.
We are a team of highly skilled podiatrists who work closely with specialists in rheumatology, diabetes and vascular surgery.
Our Diabetes and Hisk Risk foot service provide services from this location. On this page you will find directions and contact information.
Brackley Health Centre
68 Halse Road
Brackley
Northants, NN13 6EJ
Patient contact centre: 03305 556789
Mon: 08.30-18.00
Tues: 08.30-18.00
Thurs: 08.30-16.30
Your podiatrist will have let you know whether you are low risk, moderate risk or at high risk of foot ulcers.
The information and advice below can help you take care of your feet between visits to your podiatrist and it will hopefully help prevent problems in the future.
Diabetes is a lifelong condition which can cause foot problems. Some of these problems can occur because the nerves and blood vessels supplying your feet are damaged.
This can affect:
These changes can be very gradual and you may not notice them. This is why it is essential you receive a foot screening by a suitably trained health professional at your GP practice every year. You can then agree on a treatment plan which suits your needs.
Your foot screening may have shown that you do not have nerve or blood vessel damage at present and so you are currently at low risk of developing foot complications because of your diabetes.
Controlling your diabetes, cholesterol and blood pressure, and having your feet screened every year by a suitably-trained professional, will help to reduce the risk of developing problems with your feet.
If you smoke, you are strongly advised to stop.
If your feet are in good condition, you may not need regular podiatry treatment.
Check your feet every day
You should check your feet every day for any blisters, breaks in the skin, pain or any signs of infection such as swelling, heat or redness.
Wash your feet every day
You should wash your feet every day in warm water and with a mild soap. Rinse them thoroughly and dry them carefully, especially between the toes. Do not soak your feet as this can damage your skin.
Moisturise your feet every day
If your skin is dry, apply a moisturising cream every day, avoiding the areas between your toes.
Toenails
Cut or file your toenails regularly, following the curve of the end of your toe. Use a nail file to make sure that there are no sharp edges which could press into the next toe. Do not cut down the sides of your nails as you may create a 'spike' of nail which could result in an ingrown toenail.
Socks, stockings and tights
You should change your socks, stocking or tights every day. They should not have bulky seams and the tops should not be elasticated.
Avoid walking barefoot
If you walk barefoot you risk injuring your feet by stubbing your toes and standing on sharp objects which can damage the skin.
Check your shoes
Check the bottom of your shoes before putting them on to make sure that nothing sharp such as a pin, nail or glass has pierced the outer sole. Also, run your hand inside each shoe to check that no small objects such as small stones have fallen in.
Badly-fitting shoes
Badly-fitting shoes are a common cause of irritation or damage to feet. The professional who screened your feet may give you advice about the shoes you are wearing and about buying new shoes.
Minor cuts and blisters
If you check your feet and discover any breaks in the skin, minor cuts or blisters, you should cover them with a sterile dressing and check them every day. Do not burst blisters. If the problems do not heal within a few days, or if you notice any signs of infection (swelling, heat, redness or pain), contact your podiatry department or GP (their contact numbers are over the page).
Over the counter medicines
Do not use over-the-counter corn remedies. They are not recommended for anyone with diabetes as they can cause damage to the skin that can create problems.
If you discover any problems with your feet, contact your local podiatry department or GP for advice.
Is your foot red, warm or swollen? Is there a break in the skin or any discharge (or oozing) on to your socks or stockings? Do you feel unwell?
You may not have pain even with a visible wound.
If the answer is yes - contact your GP, Podiatrist or Nurse immediately (or a member of the Foot Protection Service).
If you are unable to get through, go to your nearest out of hours healthcare service or your A&E department.
Diabetes is a lifelong condition which can cause foot problems. Some of these problems can occur because the nerves and blood vessels supplying your feet are damaged.
This can affect:
These changes can be very gradual and you may not notice them. This is why it is essential you receive a foot screening and assessment from a podiatrist every year. You can then agree a treatment plan to suit your needs.
If your screening and assessment have shown that there is a moderate (increased) risk that you will develop foot ulcers. Your podiatrist will tick which of the following risk factors you have.
If you smoke, you are strongly advised to stop. Smoking affects your circulation and can lead to amputation.
Controlling your diabetes, cholesterol and blood pressure, and having your feet assessed every year by a podiatrist will help to reduce the risk of developing problems with your feet.
If your feet are at moderate risk of developing ulcers, you will need to take extra care of them. You may need treatment by a podiatrist or podiatry assistant.
Check your feet every day
You should check your feet every day for any blisters, breaks in the skin, pain or any signs of infection such as swelling, heat or redness. If you cannot do this yourself, ask your partner or carer to help you.
Wash your feet every day
You should wash your feet every day in warm water and with a mild soap. Rinse them thoroughly and dry them carefully, especially between the toes. Do not soak your feet as this can damage your skin.
Because of your diabetes, you may not be able to feel hot and cold very well. You should test the temperature of the water with your elbow, or ask someone else to test the temperature for you.
Avoid walking barefoot
If you walk barefoot you risk injuring your feet by stubbing your toes and standing on sharp objects which can damage the skin.
Minor cuts and blisters
If you check your feet and discover any breaks in the skin, minor cuts or blisters; cover them with a sterile dressing. Do not burst blisters. If after one day there is no sign of healing contact your podiatry department or GP immediately (their contact numbers are over the page). If unavailable go to your local accident and emergency department.
Hard skin and corns
Do not attempt to remove hard skin or corns yourself. Your podiatrist will provide treatment and advice where necessary.
Over-the-counter corn remedies
Never use over-the-counter corn remedies. They are not recommended for anyone with diabetes as they can damage the skin and create foot ulcers.
Avoid high or low temperatures
If your feet are cold, wear socks. Never sit with your feet in front of the fire to warm them up. Always remove hot water bottles and turn off electric blanket before getting into bed.
Is your foot red, warm or swollen? Is there a break in the skin or any discharge (or oozing) on to your socks or stockings? Do you feel unwell?
You may not have pain even with a visible wound.
If the answer is yes - contact your GP, Podiatrist or Nurse immediately (or a member of the Foot Protection Service).
If you are unable to get through, go to your nearest out of hours healthcare service or your A&E department.
Useful links
Some useful links where you can find more advice:
Diabetes is a lifelong condition which can cause foot problems. Some of these problems can occur because the nerves and blood vessels supplying your feet are damaged. This can affect:
These changes can be very gradual and you may not notice them. This is why it is essential that every year you have your feet screened and assessed by a podiatrist. You can then agree a treatment plan to suit your needs.
Your screening and assessment may have shown that there is a high risk that you will develop foot ulcers. Your podiatrist will tick which of the following risk factors you have.
Keeping good control of your diabetes, cholesterol and blood pressure will help to control these problems.
If you smoke, you are strongly advised to stop. Smoking affects your circulation and can lead to amputation.
If your feet are at high risk, you will need to take extra care of them. You will need regular treatment by a podiatrist.
Check your feet every day
You should check your feet every day for any blisters, breaks in the skin, pain or any signs of infection such as swelling, heat or redness. If you cannot do this yourself, ask your partner or carer to help you.
Wash your feet every day
You should wash your feet every day in warm water and with a mild soap. Rinse your feet thoroughly and dry them carefully, especially between the toes. Do not soak your feet as this may damage your skin. Because of your diabetes, you may not be able to feel hot or cold very well. You should test the temperature of the water with your elbow, or ask someone else to test the temperature for you.
Moisturise your feet every day
If your skin is dry, apply a moisturising cream every day, avoiding the areas between your toes.
Toenails
Do not cut your toenails unless your podiatrist advises you to.
Socks,, stockings and tights
You should change your socks, stockings or tights every day. They should not have bulky seams and the tops should not be elasticated.
Avoid walking barefoot
If you walk barefoot you risk injuring your feet by stubbing your toes and standing on sharp objects which can damage the skin.
Check your shoes
Check the bottom of your shoes before you put them on to make sure that nothing sharp such as a pin, nail or glass has pierced the outer sole. Also run your hand inside each shoe to check that no small objects such as small stones have fallen in.
Badly fitting shoes
Badly-fitting shoes are a common cause of irritation or damage to feet. The podiatrist who assessed your feet may give you advice about the shoes you already own and on buying new shoes. They may suggest that you are measured for special shoes to get on prescription.
Prescription shoes
If you have been supplied with shoes, they will have been made to a prescription. You should follow the instructions your podiatrist or orthotist (the person who makes the shoes) gives you. These should be the only shoes you wear. Shoes will normally be prescribed with insoles.
These are an important part of your shoes and you should only remove them if your orthotist or podiatrist advises you to. Whoever provided your shoes will carry out all repairs or alterations to make sure that they will match your prescription.
Minors cutes and blisters
If you check your feet and discover any breaks in the skin, minor cuts or blisters, cover the area with a sterile dressing. Do not burst blisters. Contact your podiatry department or GP immediately (contact numbers are over the page). If these people are not available and there is no sign of healing after one day, go to your local accident and emergency department.
Hard skin and corns
Do not attempt to remove hard skin or corns yourself. Your podiatrist will provide treatment and advice where necessary.
Over-the-counter corn remedies
Do not use over-the-counter corn remedies.They are not recommended for anyone with diabetes as they can damage the skin and create ulcers.
Avoid high or low temperatures
If your feet are cold, wear socks. Never sit with your feet in front of the fire to warm them up. Always remove hot water bottles or heating pads from your bed before getting in.
Have you had an ulcer before?
If you have had an ulcer before, or an amputation, you are at high risk of developing more ulcers. If you look after your feet carefully, with the help of a podiatrist, you will reduce the risk of more problems.
Is your foot red, warm or swollen? Is there a break in the skin or any discharge (or oozing) on to your socks or stockings? Do you feel unwell?
You may not have pain even with a visible wound.
If the answer is yes - contact your GP, Podiatrist or Nurse immediately (or a member of the Foot Protection Service).
If you are unable to get through, go to your nearest out of hours healthcare service or your A&E department.
Our Hot Foot Service is an urgent foot care service for people with diabetes who develop sudden or serious foot problems.
Contact details:
North of the county:
Diabetes Centre
Kettering General Hospital
Rothwell Road
Kettering
NN16 8UZ
Telephone: 01536 492207
West of the county:
Battle House
Northampton General Hospital
Billing Road
Northampton
NN1 5BD
Telephone: 01604 545422
Available Monday to Friday, 8.45am - 5.15pm
