Diabetic Foot Care in Leeds
If you have diabetes, your feet need specialist attention — not just a GP referral that never comes through.
Diabetes affects the feet in ways that are easy to miss and potentially serious if left unaddressed. Reduced circulation and nerve damage can mean that cuts, blisters, and pressure sores go unnoticed until they become infected. For people with diabetes, what starts as a minor foot problem can escalate quickly.
At Total Health Care in Swillington, Leeds, our podiatrists provide thorough diabetic foot assessments as part of a standard appointment.
We check what the NHS often doesn't have time to — and we'll tell you honestly what we find.
Book a podiatry appointment: New patients £65 | Existing patients £55
Why Diabetes Affects Your Feet
Diabetes impacts the feet through two main pathways:
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Peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage)
High blood sugar over time damages the nerves in your feet and lower legs. This causes numbness, tingling, or a burning sensation — and critically, it reduces your ability to feel pain. That means injuries can go unnoticed.
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Peripheral arterial disease (poor circulation)
Diabetes affects blood flow to the extremities. Reduced circulation means wounds heal more slowly and are more vulnerable to infection. In severe cases, poor healing can lead to ulceration.
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Together, these two conditions make the feet the most vulnerable part of the body for someone living with diabetes — which is why regular professional foot checks matter.
What We Check in a Diabetic Foot Assessment
When you come to us as a diabetic patient, your podiatrist will assess:
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Circulation — checking blood flow to the feet using pulse assessment
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Sensation — testing for signs of neuropathy and reduced feeling
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Skin condition — looking for dryness, cracking, callus build-up, or early ulceration
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Nail health — thickened, ingrown, or fungal nails are more serious in diabetic patients
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Footwear — identifying whether your shoes are contributing to pressure or rubbing
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Overall foot structure — any deformities or areas of high pressure that need monitoring
We'll give you a clear picture of what we find, what it means, and what to do next — including whether you need a referral onwards to your GP or a specialist.
How Often Should You See a Podiatrist if You Have Diabetes?
The short answer: at least once a year, and more frequently if you've been told you're at moderate or high risk.
The NHS diabetic foot check is designed as an annual screening — but it's a brief check, not a full assessment, and waiting lists mean many patients don't get seen on time.
Seeing a private podiatrist doesn't replace your NHS annual check — it complements it. Many of our diabetic patients come to us between NHS appointments, or come to us first because they're worried about something specific and can't get seen quickly enough.
If you've been told you have neuropathy, have had a foot ulcer in the past, or have been classified as moderate or high risk, we'd recommend coming every three to six months.
Common Diabetic Foot Problems We Treat
Diabetic foot ulcers
Open sores that develop due to pressure, friction, or injury — particularly on the sole of the foot. Early intervention is critical. If you notice any break in the skin that isn't healing, contact us promptly.
Callus and hard skin
Diabetic patients are prone to callus build-up, which can mask underlying pressure sores. Regular debridement by a podiatrist removes this safely and allows us to check what's underneath.
Nail problems
Thickened nails, fungal nail infection, and ingrown toenails all carry greater risk in diabetic patients. We treat these carefully and conservatively, with awareness of the slower healing times involved.
Charcot foot
A serious but less common complication where the bones of the foot weaken and fracture due to neuropathy. It can look like a sprain but is a medical emergency. If you have diabetes and notice sudden redness, warmth, or swelling in your foot without obvious injury — get seen urgently.
Peripheral arterial disease
We can identify signs of compromised blood flow and refer appropriately where needed.
The daily habits that protect diabetic feet are simple but easy to let slip. Your podiatrist will go through these with you, but the essentials are:
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Check your feet every day — including the soles and between the toes
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Wash and dry thoroughly, paying attention to between the toes
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Moisturise daily, but not between the toes
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Never walk barefoot — even indoors
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Cut nails straight across, not too short
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Wear well-fitting shoes with no seams that rub
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Never use corn plasters or blade razors on your feet — these are dangerous with reduced sensation
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Contact a podiatrist promptly if you notice any cuts, blisters, redness, or swelling that isn't resolving within a day or two
Frequently Asked Questions
What to Do Between Appointments
Is it safe to have my feet treated by a podiatrist if I have diabetes?
Yes — in fact, it's one of the most important things you can do. Our podiatrists are trained to work with diabetic patients and will always take a conservative, careful approach to treatment.
Do I need a GP referral to see you?
No referral is needed. You can book directly online or by calling us on 0113 345 4260.
How much does a diabetic foot appointment cost?
We don't charge a separate rate for diabetic foot care — it's assessed within a standard podiatry appointment. New patient appointments are £65 and last up to 45 minutes. Existing patient appointments are £55 and last up to 30 minutes.
Can I still get my NHS annual foot check if I see you privately?
Yes. Seeing us privately doesn't affect your entitlement to NHS care. The two complement each other.
What if you find something serious?
We'll tell you clearly and refer you to your GP or a specialist where needed. We won't leave you uncertain about what we've found.