Diabetic Foot Care in Burlington: How Physiotherapy Can Help
- Folarin Babatunde PT PhD
- Dec 7, 2024
- 6 min read
Updated: Sep 16
Cogent Rehab Blog
Folarin Babatunde PT PhD MScSEM MScPT BScPT
December 7, 2024
Diabetes is a chronic condition in which the body is unable to produce insulin or properly use the insulin it produces. Insulin is the hormone responsible for moving sugar from the blood into the body’s cells to be used for energy. Without proper regulation, blood sugar levels remain high, which can damage organs, blood vessels, and nerves.
In Canada, one person is diagnosed with diabetes every three minutes. Chances are, diabetes affects you or someone you know.
What Are the Common Symptoms of Diabetes?
Unusual thirst
Frequent urination
Weight changes (gain or loss)
Extreme fatigue or lack of energy
Blurry vision
Constant or recurring infections
Slow healing cuts and bruises
Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet
Trouble getting or maintaining an erection
Diabetic ketoacidosis
Types of Diabetes
Type 1 Diabetes
The pancreas does not produce insulin. It often develops in childhood or adolescence and requires insulin injections or an insulin pump. About 10% of people with diabetes have type 1.
Type 2 Diabetes
The body does not make enough insulin or cannot use it properly. This accounts for 90% of diabetes cases in Canada, especially among adults over 40 with a family history of diabetes.
Gestational Diabetes
This occurs during pregnancy, usually in the second or third trimester. It often resolves after delivery but can affect the mother’s and baby’s health if unmanaged.
Prediabetes
Blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be classified as type 2 diabetes. Without lifestyle changes, prediabetes often progresses to type 2.
What Is Diabetic Foot?
Foot problems are very common in people with diabetes due to nerve damage (neuropathy) and poor circulation. Left untreated, they can lead to infections, ulcers, or even amputation.
Common Diabetic Foot Problems
Why Foot Care Matters in Diabetes
Neuropathy reduces your ability to feel injuries.
Poor circulation slows healing.
Higher infection risk makes even small wounds dangerous.
How Physiotherapists Help in Diabetes Care
Physiotherapists help people with diabetes take part in safe, effective exercise programs which have been shown to improve the lowering of blood sugar levels. Physiotherapists can help you improve the ability to move, perform daily activities, and manage pain promote faster healing of diabetes-related skin problems.
Physiotherapists play a key role in diabetic foot care and overall diabetes management. They can:
Design safe, effective exercise programs to lower blood sugar.
Improve strength, balance, and flexibility to prevent falls.
Help with wound healing and protect areas at risk of ulcers.
Teach daily foot care and skin checks.
Recommend proper footwear and mobility aids.
What to Expect in a Physiotherapy Session
Your physiotherapist may:
Review your blood sugar history.
Assess your strength, flexibility, balance, endurance, and skin sensation.
Check your feet for wounds or early signs of complications.
Create a personalized program to match your health goals.
Examples of Physiotherapy Activities for Diabetic Foot Care
Your Burlington physiotherapist would guide your through a series of activities for diabetes foot care physiotherapy including:
Movement: Your physiotherapist will guide you through exercises that restore joint movement, starting with gentle assistance and progressing to active stretches.
Strength: You will learn safe and effective exercises to rebuild strength in weak muscles.
Flexibility: Your physiotherapist will help stretch tight muscles to improve mobility.
Endurance: You will be taught exercises to increase your stamina and return to regular physical activity.
Balance and coordination: Your physiotherapist will train you to improve stability and coordination to reduce fall risk.
Walking ability: You will receive guidance on safe walking techniques, with or without a cane or walker.
Pain levels: Your physiotherapist will prescribe exercises and strategies to reduce pain and protect sensitive areas.
Blood glucose levels: A personalized exercise program will be designed to help lower and regulate your blood sugar.
Healing of sores: You will learn how to check your feet daily and choose proper footwear to prevent blisters and wounds.
Home exercise: Your physiotherapist will give you a tailored home program to support faster recovery.
Daily living and work activities: Together, you will set practical goals to help you return to everyday and work-related tasks.
Tips for Diabetic Foot Care at Home
Check your feet daily for cuts, blisters, or swelling.
Wash and dry your feet thoroughly, especially between the toes.
Moisturize, but avoid lotion between the toes.
Wear properly fitted shoes and avoid walking barefoot.
Trim toenails carefully — or ask a professional if you can’t.
Report any foot wounds or changes to your healthcare provider immediately.
Take Action Today
At Cogent Physical Rehabilitation Center in Burlington, our physiotherapists provide specialized diabetic foot care to help you stay mobile, prevent complications, and live well with diabetes.
👉 Book an appointment today to protect your feet and improve your quality of life.
Frequently Asked Questions About Diabetic Foot Care Physiotherapy in Burlington
Q1: Can physiotherapy prevent diabetic foot ulcers?
Yes. Physiotherapy helps by improving circulation, teaching safe exercises, correcting gait patterns, and educating you on daily foot checks. These strategies lower the risk of ulcers and related complications.
Q2: How often should I check my feet if I have diabetes?
You should check your feet every day. Look for cuts, blisters, redness, swelling, or changes in skin and nails. Even small wounds can lead to serious complications if ignored.
Q3: What kind of shoes should I wear for diabetic foot care?
Wear comfortable, well-fitted shoes with a wide toe box and soft insoles. Avoid high heels, tight shoes, or walking barefoot, as they increase the risk of pressure sores and injuries.
Q4: Can exercise really help control my blood sugar?
Yes. Regular physical activity improves how your body uses insulin, lowers blood sugar levels, and reduces the risk of diabetic complications. A physiotherapist can create a safe and personalized program for you.
Q5: What should I do if I notice a sore on my foot?'
Do not ignore it. Clean the area gently, keep it covered, and contact your healthcare provider or physiotherapist immediately. Early treatment prevents infections and speeds up healing.
Q6: How often should I see a physiotherapist for diabetic foot care?
It depends on your health status. If you’re at low risk, annual visits may be enough. If you have neuropathy, circulation problems, or a history of foot ulcers, you should see your physiotherapist more frequently for monitoring and treatment.
Q7: Is diabetic foot care covered by insurance or benefits?
Many extended health insurance plans in Ontario, including those in Burlington, cover physiotherapy services. Check with your provider or ask our team at Cogent Rehab for assistance.
Sources
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