PODIATRY, DIABETES and other conditions which increase foot risk
Diabetes is by far the most well know medical condition to put the foot at risk.
Diabetes is a whole-body disease that can have devastating effects on the eye’s kidneys and feet.
The increased foot risk comes from combinations of some of the following
• Poor circulation – peripheral vascular disease
• Poor sensation – peripheral neuropathy
• Deformity – e.g. clawed and hammer toes
• Increase susceptibility to infection
• Badly fitting shoes
• Diabetic bone changes – Charcot neuroarthropathy
• Kidney failure
• Hard skin – callous
“Prevention is better that cure”
KNOWLEDGE is key
- Know what your own feet are like, your regular diabetes check up will often look at your feet and assess the risk to them.
Check your feet regularly – daily is ideal - Know your risk factors – If your sensation is poor, you may not be aware of a blister, a rub or a puncture wound from standing on something. Checking daily means you can act FAST if a problem is detected.
- Know what to look for in you feet and check them daily – you may have to ask a family member of carer to check them – tell them what to look for.
- Know how to get assistance if you need it. – contact your footcare provider, GP or 111
- Know some basic foot care – Using a foot cream on your feet we help keep the skin in good condition and putting it on daily will give you chance to check your feet.
- The WELLBEING service runs diabetes education sessions and more information can be found on their website Wellbeing service Banes
Seek Medical help if you have.
• Cuts
• Blister
• Bleeding
• Sores
• Infection
• Pus
• Hot spots
• Changes in colour or shape
• Increased pain.
• New strange sensations like pins and needles.
Minor problems can be seen by podiatry, practice nurse, district nurse or GP, consider taking a picture to help show what the problem is.
If you have a SIGNIFICANT problems, like a wound that has become infected and is getting worse. If you are confused, generally unwell or have any signs of SEPIS Symptoms of sepsis – NHS (www.nhs.uk) contact 111, the emergency department or 999 immediately.
VIDEOS
Below are some useful videos and links.
Complications of diabetes
Here is a short video on some of the complications of diabetes
Looking after your feet with diabetes –
Here s a video advising some basic care of diabetic feet.
Touch the Toes test –
Being able to feel your own feet allows you to register if something is wrong. You can test this at home we the help of a family member. remember KNOWLEDGE IS KEY.
LOW RISK – Diabetic foot complications
MODERATE RISK – Diabetic foot complications
HIGH RISK – diabetic foot complications –
FOOT ATTACK! – your diabetic foot ulcer
LEAFLETS
Please find below some printable leaflets
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