Information for People in Cheltenham, Cirencester & the South West
If you have diabetes, you are at a higher risk of developing serious foot problems that may need urgent or emergency medical attention. Even a small issue, such as a blister or cut, can quickly become infected and develop into a serious foot infection or diabetic foot ulcer.
Without prompt treatment, serious diabetic foot problems can sometimes lead to hospital admission or amputation. Early action and specialist care in Cheltenham, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Wiltshire, Somerset, or Worcestershire can greatly reduce these risks.
On this page:
- How diabetes causes serious foot problems
- Serious foot problems linked to diabetes
- Symptoms of a serious foot problem
- What to do if you notice a foot problem
- Treatment for serious diabetic foot problems
- How to reduce your risk
- Coping with serious foot problems
How Can Diabetes Cause Serious Foot Problems?
Over time, high blood glucose (sugar) levels can damage the nerves and blood vessels in your feet.
Nerve damage (Peripheral Neuropathy)
If the nerves in your feet are damaged, you may:
- Lose feeling or sensation
- Not notice cuts, blisters, pressure, or injuries
- Continue walking on an injured foot without realising
Blood vessel damage (Ischaemia)
Poor circulation means:
- Wounds take longer to heal
- Less oxygen and nutrients reach the foot
- Infection is more likely to develop and spread
When the skin is damaged, bacteria can enter easily, turning minor foot problems into serious infections if not treated quickly.
Good foot care and early treatment through local NHS services can prevent many of these complications.
Serious Foot Problems Linked to Diabetes
While diabetes does not directly cause most foot problems, it makes them more dangerous and harder to heal.
Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Open wounds that:
- Heal slowly
- Can become infected
- May lead to hospital treatment or surgery
Serious Foot Infections
Infections can spread quickly and may affect:
- Skin
- Soft tissue
- Bone (osteomyelitis)
Charcot Foot
Charcot foot is a serious condition linked to diabetes and nerve damage. It affects the bones and joints, causing:
- Swelling
- Heat
- Changes in foot shape
- Collapse of the foot structure if untreated
People in Cheltenham, Cirencester and across the South West with diabetes and neuropathy should seek urgent advice if Charcot foot is suspected.
Symptoms of a Serious Foot Problem
If you have diabetes, you may not feel pain even when something is wrong. This makes daily foot checks essential.
⚠️ Seek urgent help within 24 hours from your GP, podiatrist or local foot protection team if you notice:
- Red, hot, swollen foot, toe or ankle
- Changes in foot colour or shape
- One foot feeling much hotter or colder than the other
- New blisters, cuts, cracks or wounds
- A wound that smells unpleasant or leaks fluid or pus
- New or unexplained foot pain
People with diabetes are up to 20 times more likely to need an amputation, so early action is critical.
Symptoms of Sepsis (Medical Emergency)
A serious foot infection can lead to sepsis, which is life-threatening.
📞 Call 01451 824301 or Website: https://bourtonpodiatry.com/contact/ if you have a foot infection and notice:
- Confusion or slurred speech
- Blue, pale, grey or blotchy skin, lips or tongue
- A rash that does not fade when pressed
- Fast or difficult breathing
- High temperature (above 38.3°C)
- Rapid heart rate (over 90 beats per minute at rest)
What to Do If You Notice a Foot Problem
If you live in Cheltenham, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Wiltshire, Somerset or Worcestershire and notice a foot problem:
- Stop walking on the foot immediately
- Sit or lie down
- Raise your foot on a chair or stool
- Place a cushion under your ankle so the foot is not touching anything
- Contact your GP or local NHS foot protection team urgently
- Use out-of-hours services if your GP or foot team is unavailable
Do not ignore even small changes. Serious foot problems can worsen very quickly.
How to Reduce Your Risk of Serious Foot Problems
Check Your Feet Daily
- Look for redness, swelling, cuts or shape changes
- Use a mirror or ask for help if needed
Wear Well-Fitting Shoes
- Avoid rubbing and pressure points
- Ask about specialist footwear if recommended
Attend Your Annual Diabetic Foot Check
Your annual NHS foot check:
- Assesses nerve damage and circulation
- Identifies your risk level (low, moderate, high or active)
- Is free and part of routine diabetes care
Look After Your Overall Health
- Stop smoking (ask your GP for support)
- Keep blood glucose levels within target
- Manage blood pressure and cholesterol
- Stay active and eat a balanced diet
Treatment for Serious Diabetic Foot Problems
Treatment depends on the type and severity of the problem and may include:
- Antibiotics (tablets or intravenous)
- Long courses of antibiotics (sometimes 6 weeks or more)
- Dressings and wound care
- Special boots or casts to remove pressure
- Hospital admission for severe infections
- Surgery to remove infected or dead tissue
Amputation
In some cases, an amputation may be necessary to save life or prevent infection spreading.
This may involve:
- Toes
- Part of the foot
- Part of the leg
You will receive care from:
- A surgical team
- Diabetes specialists
- Physiotherapists and occupational therapists
- Rehabilitation services before returning home
Emotional and practical support is also available.
Coping With Serious Foot Problems
Living with serious diabetic foot problems can be challenging, both physically and emotionally. Support is available across Cheltenham, Cirencester and the wider South West.
Diabetes Support Helpline
📞 T: 01451 824301
Speak confidentially with trained advisors about:
- Symptoms
- Treatment
- Emotional support
- Living with diabetes-related foot problems
If you would like to see a podiatrist and get some expert advice, contact the Head Clinician at the Bourton Podiatry one of the most respected Podiatrists in the Cotswolds area. Telephone: 01451 824301 or Website: https://bourtonpodiatry.com/contact/
courtesy of diabetes.org.uk.