Diabetic Feet
Diabetic and High Risk Foot Assessment at Cheshire Podiatry
“ Every 20 seconds a lower limb amputation takes place due to diabetes” – the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists.
A unique and pivotal role of a Podiatrist is assessing and managing the feet and legs of patients with Diabetes. A condition such as Diabetes can end up causing complex chronic wounds, a change of foot shape involving pain and increase the risk of infection.
Two key issues that develop with Diabetes are:
- Neuropathy (nerve damage and numbness of the feet).
- Vasuclar disease (blood flow complications allowing ulcerations and poor wound healing).
These issues can increase the risk of a Diabetic patient developing ulcers. A diabetic foot ulcer can become a key moment in a patients life as it significantly impacts on their lifestyle and it marks a serious disease change on the body.
The presence of a diabetic ulcer has been shown to double the mortality risk within 10 years.
Without early and optimal intervention, the prognosis of a patient with diabetes can rapidly spiral downwards. It has been found that 85% of amputations could be avoided when an effective care plan is adopted.
This is where Cheshire Podiatry can help you as we offer effective and appropriate assessments and management programmes tailored to you and your condition.The aim of this assessment is to avoid or delay serious complications of your condition and closely track every 6 -12 months any changes to your body.
Our six monthly or annual assessments include:
- Neurological Testing – 10g monofilament, sharp blunt, tuning fork.
- Superficial vascular checks and peripheral blood supply review.
- Doppler evaluation (arterial and venal blood flow).
- Abbreviated MSK biomechanical assessment to discuss high risk sites on your feet e.g. where ulcers could likely develop.
After the assessment at Cheshire Podiatry we provide:
- Treatment of any wounds or ulcers where possible.
- Thorough treatment and management programmes to keep your feet safe.
- Self care advice.
- Offload insoles to protect “at risk sites” for your feet.
- Risk status – Low, Medium or High.
- A GP letter to inform them of your results (if your consent is obtained).
- Our main focus is to educate, manage and help to prevent further issues in diabetic patients.