Opening Hours
- Mon: 7am-1pm
- Tue: 7am-7pm
- Wed: 1pm-7pm
- Thu: 8am-7pm
- Fri: 8am-5pm
- Sat: 7am-4pm
Service Areas
Diabetic Podiatry Care – Parramatta Clinic
Diabetes is a journey filled with many twists and turns, and your feet are the unsung heroes of that journey. They carry you through life’s challenges, and when diabetes enters the picture, the importance of proper foot care cannot be overstated. Having a trusted podiatrist becomes your secret weapon against potential problems turning into crises.
Sports Medicine Clinic is our specialised podiatry clinic in Parramatta, where your foot health is our top priority. Living with diabetes means taking extra care of your feet, as even minor issues can quickly turn into serious complications. But with the right support and expertise, you can keep your feet healthy and enjoy a better quality of life.
At our clinic, we provide more than just treatment; we offer a partnership in your health journey. Our compassionate and cutting-edge podiatric care is specifically tailored for diabetic patients, addressing your unique needs with a comprehensive range of services. We are your go-to diabetes podiatrist. From preventive measures to advanced treatments, our experienced team of podiatrists is here to help you every step of the way.
Prevention Over Cure
Preventive foot care is the cornerstone of managing diabetes-related foot health. Regular check-ups with a podiatrist who understands your personal situation are essential to catch early signs of problems before they escalate into severe complications.
These routine visits allow your podiatrist to identify issues such as ulcers, infections, and neuropathy at their earliest stages, enabling timely interventions that can prevent minor issues from becoming major health threats. Neglecting these check-ups can lead to severe consequences, including infections that may result in amputations.
The urgency of regular podiatric care cannot be overstated. Diabetic foot complications develop rapidly and can cause irreversible damage if not addressed promptly. By committing to regular appointments with a podiatrist familiar with your health history, you are taking a critical step in safeguarding your feet.
Daily self-care practices, such as inspecting your feet for cuts or changes, washing them properly, and wearing appropriate footwear, are essential, but they are no substitute for professional care. Prioritise these check-ups to protect your feet and overall health, preventing pain, costly treatments, and life-altering complications.
Diabetes, or hyperglycemia, is a condition where blood glucose levels are too high. When blood sugar levels aren’t properly managed, it can weaken the immune system, making it harder for your body to fend off infections. This is particularly concerning for your feet, which are susceptible to complications from both peripheral artery disease (reduced circulation) and peripheral neuropathy (loss of sensation).
The Importance of Podiatric Care for Diabetic Patients
Diabetes can have a profound impact on your overall health, particularly your feet. At our clinic, we specialise in providing comprehensive podiatric care tailored specifically for diabetic patients. Our goal is to help you maintain healthy feet and prevent serious complications.
Understanding the Risks
Diabetic patients are at a higher risk of developing foot problems due to two main complications: neuropathy and poor circulation.
Neuropathy (Nerve Damage)
High blood sugar levels can damage nerves in your feet, leading to diabetic neuropathy. This condition often results in a loss of sensation, which means you might not feel cuts, blisters, or other injuries. Without proper sensation, these minor issues can quickly escalate into serious infections.
Poor Circulation
Diabetes can also cause peripheral arterial disease (PAD), reducing blood flow to your feet. Poor circulation makes it harder for injuries to heal and increases the risk of infections. In severe cases, this can lead to tissue death and the need for amputation.
Comprehensive Foot Care Services
Our clinic offers a range of services designed to address the unique needs of diabetic patients
Regular Foot Exams
Early detection is key to preventing serious complications. Our thorough foot exams help identify problems before they become severe.
Treatment of Foot Ulcers and Wounds
We provide specialised care for diabetic foot ulcers and wounds, promoting faster healing and preventing infections.
Neuropathy Management
Our team offers treatments and strategies to manage symptoms of neuropathy and protect your feet from further damage.
Custom Orthotics and Footwear
Proper footwear is essential for diabetic foot health. We provide custom orthotics and recommend appropriate shoes to reduce pressure points and prevent injuries.
Patient Education
Knowledge is power. We educate our patients on proper foot care practices, including daily inspections, hygiene, and the importance of regular check-ups.
Diabetic Foot Risk Assessments
A comprehensive evaluation to identify potential risk factors for diabetic foot complications.
Choosing a medical pedicure ensures your feet receive the specialised attention they deserve, promoting both immediate relief and long-term health. It’s an investment in your wellbeing that goes far beyond what a cosmetic pedicure can offer.
"Regular foot care is crucial for people with diabetes, as it can prevent up to 85% of diabetic foot amputations. Early intervention and proper care by a podiatrist is key to significantly reduce the risk of complications. "
Book Your Appointment Today
Don’t wait until a minor issue becomes a major problem. Regular podiatric care is an essential part of managing diabetes and maintaining your overall health. Contact us today to schedule your appointment and take the first step towards healthier feet.
Why is a podiatrist like a superhero for diabetic foot patients? Because they know how to ‘heel’ the problems and are the ‘sole’ protectors of your feet.
What to expect from your first appointment
On your first appointment, we will begin by taking a comprehensive medical history. Your medical history will give us an overall understanding of your health and help us formulate an individualised treatment plan for you.
After taking a thorough medical history, we will begin by performing a neurovascular assessment. This will allow us to categorise your risk status and determine how frequently you will require podiatric foot care. A neurovascular assessment involves the testing of sensation, blood supply, skin integrity, reflexes, muscle control and structure of the feet.
After the neurovascular assessment has been performed, you will be given a risk status of high, moderate or low. If you are high-moderate risk, regular 4-6 weekly foot care appointments at a podiatrist is recommended as well as daily instructions to care for your feet and general health will be given. Low risk means you are able to maintain your own foot care at home, however are more than welcome to let a podiatrist take care of it for you. A low risk status requires annual neurovascular assessments to ensure your status has not changed.
After the neurovascular assessment, a general treatment will be performed which involves cutting all your toenails and buffing as required (if nails are thickened), removing any debris from the sulcus of your toenails and deriding and buffing any callus and corns. If you require any other treatments, that can be discussed before the general treatment commences and priority of treatment will be made.
Diabetic foot care is crucial because diabetes can cause nerve damage and poor circulation, leading to a higher risk of foot ulcers, infections, and even amputations. Regular foot care helps prevent these complications and maintains overall foot health.
It’s recommended that diabetic patients consult with a podiatrist as soon as they are diagnosed to assess the impact of the condition on their feet. The frequency of subsequent visits will depend on individual risk factors and the presence of any foot complications. Generally, patients with well-managed diabetes and no foot damage may only need annual check-ups combined with diligent self-care at home. However, if there are existing foot problems or if diabetes management is not optimal, more frequent visits are necessary, typically every 6-8 weeks, to monitor and treat potential issues. Your podiatrist will provide a tailored schedule based on your specific needs and health status
You should see a podiatrist immediately if you notice any of the following:
Cuts, blisters, or sores that do not heal.
Redness, swelling, or warmth around a wound.
Changes in skin colour, especially dark or blackened areas.
Pain or discomfort in your feet, even if mild.
Any signs of infection, such as pus or a bad odour.
To take care of your feet at home:
Inspect your feet daily for any cuts, blisters, or changes.
Wash your feet daily with mild soap and warm water, then dry thoroughly.
Moisturise your feet but avoid the areas between your toes.
Wear well-fitting shoes and clean, dry socks.
Avoid walking barefoot to prevent injuries.
A podiatrist can help with diabetic foot care by:
Conducting regular foot exams to catch issues early.
Providing treatment for wounds, ulcers, and infections.
Offering custom orthotics and footwear recommendations.
Educating you on proper foot care practices.
Monitoring and managing any foot-related complications of diabetes.
During a diabetic foot check-up, you can expect:
A thorough inspection of your feet for any cuts, blisters, or abnormalities.
An assessment of your circulation and nerve function.
Advice on proper foot care and footwear.
Treatment recommendations for any existing issues.
A personalised care plan to maintain your foot health.
Yes, many diabetic foot problems can be prevented with regular check-ups, proper at-home care, and early intervention. Staying proactive about your foot health and following your podiatrist’s recommendations are key to preventing serious complications.
One of the most common foot problems in diabetics is the development of foot ulcers. These are open sores that can become infected and lead to serious complications if not treated promptly.
Poor circulation, a common complication of diabetes, reduces blood flow to your feet. This can slow down the healing process for cuts and sores and increase the risk of infections and other complications.
Walking barefoot increases the risk of cuts, scrapes, and injuries, which can lead to infections, especially in diabetics with reduced sensation in their feet. Always wear protective footwear to safeguard your feet from potential harm.
We support NDIS self-managed clients. Click here to learn more here.
If you have diabetes, you’re eligable to a medicare rebate. Your general practitioner can give you a referral (called an Enhanced Primary Care program ie EPC) which entitles you to a medicare rebate for podiatry treatments.
No. Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes have the same risk factors associated with them. If you suffer from either Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, you should consult with a podiatrist.
We support NDIS self-managed clients. Click here to learn more here.
If you have diabetes, you’re eligable to a medicare rebate. Your general practitioner can give you a referral (called an Enhanced Primary Care program ie EPC) which entitles you to a medicare rebate for podiatry treatments.
After Hours Podiatry Home Visits
Can’t visit us in the clinic? No problem! We will come to you! Find out how to book an after hours Podiatry home visit with one of our friendly podiatrists.
Dr. Yasmin Karam
Dr. Yasmin Karam graduated with a Bachelor of Health Science/Masters in Podiatric Medicine. Dr. Yasmin has had experience working in both private and public sectors, exposing her to a great range of foot complications; from minor nail and skin pathologies to foot mal-alignments and diabetic foot ulcers.
