Diabetes and the Foot

Introduction

Diabetes can cause foot problems.

Some of these problems can occur

because the nerves and blood

vessels supplying your feet are

damaged.

Pins & Needles Numbess Tingling Burning sensation

Cold to touch Dry skin Thickened, crumbly nails Pale in colour Unable to walk long distances without

getting pain in the calf muscles

High arched foot Prominent balls of feet

• The feeling in your feet (peripheral neuropathy)

• The circulation in your feet (Ischaemia)

• Your foot posture and structure

• Neuropathy

• Circulation

• Foot Posture

Diabetic Foot Complications

LOW RISK

• Annual foot screening carried out by the

Practice Nurse

AT RISK

• Monitored by the Community Podiatry

Service

ACTIVE PROBLEM

• Referred to the Specialist Podiatrist in

Diabetes and care is shared with

community podiatry

What happens in Walsall...

NICE GuidelinesLOW RISK INCREASED RISK HIGH RISK ULCERATED

Pulses in the foot are palpable and the patient has sensation in both feet.

One or more pulse is not present or the patient can not feel parts of their foot.

One or more pulse is not present and the patient can not feel parts of their feet.

The same as high risk but the patient will have an active ulceration.

Annual review to include foot care education can be completed by the Practice Nurse

If the patient has corns or lots of hard skin, problematic toenails they will be referred to the Community Podiatry service

The patient will be referred to the Community Podiatry service for assessment and treatment as required.

The Specialist Podiatry in Diabetes will see these patients until their ulceration has healed and then care will be shared with Community Podiatry

Nice Guidelines (CG10) Type 2 Diabetes Foot Problems: Prevention and management of foot problems, January 2004)

Looking after your feet…

• Check your feet everyday• Wash your feet everyday• Moisturise your feet everyday• Toenails• Socks stockings and tights• Avoid walking barefoot• Check your shoes• Badly fitting shoes• Minor cuts and blisters• Over-the-counter corn remedies

Any questions?

Thank you for listening