Why every diabetic should have their feet checked yearly - Before it's too late

Diabetes is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide — and while its effects on blood sugar are well known, what often gets overlooked is one of its most dangerous complications: foot problems that can lead to ulcers, infection, and even amputation.

This isn’t alarmist talk — it’s medical fact. Recent data indicates that over 180 diabetes-related amputations occur each week across the country, amounting to approximately 9,360 amputations annually (1).

The stark reality: Foot complications and Diabetes

According to the NHS, people with diabetes are up to 30 times more likely to have a lower limb amputated than those without the condition. Around 85% of diabetes-related amputations are preceded by foot ulcers, most of which could have been prevented.

So, why are diabetic feet so vulnerable?

• Reduced sensation (neuropathy): High blood sugar can damage nerves, making it harder to feel pain or pressure — meaning a cut, blister, or shoe rubbing may go unnoticed.

• Poor circulation: Diabetes can restrict blood flow, especially to the legs and feet, slowing healing and increasing infection risk.

• Structural changes: Diabetes can alter the shape of the feet and how pressure is distributed, causing high-risk pressure points that may lead to skin breakdown.

In short: small problems can quickly spiral into serious medical emergencies.

The solution: Annual biomechanical foot assessment with pressure mapping

At Limitless Orthotics, we offer a comprehensive foot health check for just £89.95 — an annual investment that could literally save your foot.

This includes:

Biomechanical assessment

We assess how you walk and how your joints and muscles function. This helps identify structural issues that could create risky pressure points or poor alignment.

Footscan pressure plate analysis

Using cutting-edge Footscan® technology, we analyse how pressure is distributed across your feet during walking. This allows us to:

• Detect areas at high risk of ulceration before damage occurs

• Spot asymmetries that lead to joint strain and deformities

• Track changes over time and personalise your care plan

Footwear advice

Many people with diabetes unknowingly wear shoes that increase their risk of injury. We’ll assess your current footwear and recommend safer, more supportive options that protect high-risk areas and improve balance.

Stretching & exercise guidance

Simple daily stretches can relieve muscle tightness that causes uneven walking patterns and pressure hotspots. We’ll guide you through foot and calf stretches to help maintain mobility and reduce pressure-related risks.

"£89.95 is a small investment when you consider the alternative: lengthy hospital stays, surgery, or even the devastating impact of amputation."

Prevention is priceless

£89.95 is a small investment when you consider the alternative: lengthy hospital stays, surgery, or even the devastating impact of amputation. With diabetes, early intervention isn’t just better — it’s safer, more effective, and far less costly than treating complications later.

If you or your partner has diabetes, particularly if you've noticed numbness, hard skin, or changes in foot shape, now is the time to act.

Don’t wait for a crisis. Book your annual diabetic foot check today and take a confident step toward long-term health.

(*Price includes consultation with Footscan, correct as of May 2025)

References:

1) https://www.diabetes.org.uk/our-research/about-our-research/our-impact/preventing-amputations?utm_source=chatgpt.com