How often should i see a podiatrist?

[MrsMoose]

Hi,

I've been type 2 for a year and am not entitled to NHS podiatry appointments because I am able to check my own feet?! Seems a bit unfair because my morbidly obese colleague who is also type 2 gets everything done for him/given to him.
I see the diabetes nurse every few months or so and she sticks pins in my feet but Id like to be more pro-active even if i have to pay for it.

thanks

 

[ally1]

i have a foot lady thats sees to my feet every 2 months and pay for it

 

[mrspuddleduck]

I'm a type 3c with neuropathy and I don't get to see a podiatrist either! The joys of cost cutting!! My only advice would be, if you are worried about your feet then go back to your GP and insist on a pod appointment!!

 

[lovinglife]

You really don't need to see a podiatrist unless you have foot problems, they don't do any different checks than the nurse, at the nurse I get once a year the filament test and the pulses in the feet test and she looks them over. My dad who is under the podiatrist for nail cutting and foot care as he is blind gets exactly the same checks as me once a year - not every time he get his nails done. You can self refer to the podiatrist if you feel you have a problem.

 

[Teddysmum]

I wonder whether the prodding tests are efficient, as I can easily feel the prods but have loss of sensation or hypersensation in my feet due to a spinal problem.

I have the impression that the tests only show if you have completely dead areas..or is that their purpose ?

 

[ButtterflyLady]

I wonder whether the prodding tests are efficient, as I can easily feel the prods but have loss of sensation or hypersensation in my feet due to a spinal problem.

I have the impression that the tests only show if you have completely dead areas..or is that their purpose ?

If you have foot issues from another condition then it might pay for your GP to consider that and if podiatry input would help reduce risk of further issues then it would seem to make sense, to me at least. I can see why you are concerned about your feet.

In NZ not many diabetics get free podiatry care. We get a nurse or doctor foot check once a year... and probably more input if there is a problem.

 

[MrsMoose]

Thanks for the replies everyone , I'm not worried about my feet, I just want to keep an eye on them and nip any problems in the bud, so to speak. My hubby goes on an irregular basis as he is a runner and has disgusting feet so I'll just go with him when he goes

 

[AndBreathe]

Thanks for the replies everyone , I'm not worried about my feet, I just want to keep an eye on them and nip any problems in the bud, so to speak. My hubby goes on an irregular basis as he is a runner and has disgusting feet so I'll just go with him when he goes

I have seen a podiatrist three times since I was diagnosed, almost exactly two years ago.

Firstly, because I was about to go overseas for a protracted period, I booked immediately, privately. The podiatrist I saw was very charming and thorough, and told me my feet were (are) in excellent shape and that she felt a bit uncomfortable charging me a fee, as she could offer me so little. So, she trimmed my nails, removed a tiny bit of thickened skin on one heel and moisturised my feet to within an inch of their lives.

Second time was my one and only routine diabetic podiatry appointment, where my foot status was reiterated and I was discharged, but told I could self refer if I had any issues.

And finally, some months later, was after a painful big toe that looked a bit "odd". This time I couldn't get in locally, so was sent to the nearest walk-in podiatry centre to be seen same day. The diagnosis was I had traumatised it (I can't recall that happening) and that in due course the slight bruise then present would grow up the nail and I might shed the nail. No need to return unless I had further concern. She was correct on all fronts. The odd looking patch grew up the nail, which eventually half fell off.

I keep an eye on my feet. I'm pretty flexible, so can examine and care for my own feet with ease, but I think it's important to know we can self-refer, on the grounds of our diabetes, if there is any form of "crisis" (or in my case; panic. Ahem)