Why is diabetes linked to foot and leg problems?

Having diabetes means you’re at much greater risk of developing a range of leg and foot problems, making foot care very important for diabetics.

Podiatrist Lauren Palmer, from Dan Everson Podiatry Clinics explains why.

“Diabetes is the most common cause of peripheral neuropathy, a disabling condition, which is characterised by numbness, hypersensitivity or pain in the extremities. In fact, half of all people with diabetes will develop neuropathy. The cause is thought to be due to damaged nerves due to poor circulation. Diabetes can also affect your circulation, which can mean blood can't flow around your body properly, especially to your legs and feet. Therefore, many people suffer from diabetic leg pain, which can include tired legs as well as puffy feet and ankles.”

Podiatrist Lauren Palmer, Dan Everson Podiatry Clinics.

Additionally, people with diabetes are also at higher risk for having peripheral artery disease (PAD),

a common disease that occurs when the arteries in the legs become narrowed or clogged with fatty deposits, or plaque. Studies have found that PAD affects one in three people older than 50 with diabetes. When leg arteries are clogged, there is less blood flow from the heart to the legs and feet. The reduced blood flow results in pain, cramp, numbness or discomfort in the calves, thighs or buttocks.

According to Better Health Victoria, lifestyle changes are an important part of treatment for both diabetic neuropathy and peripheral artery disease.

While it is best to be guided by a doctor, general self-help suggestions include taking steps to properly manage risk factors, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, quitting smoking, eating a low-fat, high-fibre diet and doing regular exercise such as walking to improve blood flow.

A new product range, Revitive Medic & Medic Coach, is available in Australia.

Revitive Medic Circulation Booster is a drug-free medical device using electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) which is clinically proven to improve blood flow during use. This drug-free medical device may also help people with medically diagnosed PAD to reduce pain while walking. Research shows that using electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) as a therapy option may also offer people with peripheral neuropathy caused by diabetes much needed relief from foot and leg pain.

The makers of Revitive, says providing relief to, particularly people with diabetes and other chronic health conditions that can significantly impact a person’s quality of life.

Revitive is developed and tested by physiotherapists and vascular surgeons from leading UK universities - and is also the only device of its kind to be endorsed by the Australian Physiotherapy Association.”

*Consult with your health care professional before use. Do not use if fitted with an electronic implanted device such as a heart pacemaker or Automatic Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (AICD), you are pregnant, being treated for, or have symptoms of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): such as pain, swelling and tenderness, heavy ache, warm or red skin in the leg. Always read the label. Follow the instructions for use. If symptoms persist, talk to your health professional.