DIABETIC FOOT ASSESSMENT AND PLAN
Diabetic foot assessment and plan
Take care of your feet and keep doing what you love.
In a diabetic foot you may notice a loss of sensation in the feet caused by damage to the nervous system, which can lead to injuries on your feet that you may not notice, which consequently can lead to infections and potentially serious complications.
With your podiatrist you can monitor:
- Blood flow to the feet (circulation)
- Feeling and reflexes (nerves)
And help regulate:
- Unusual foot shapes (including bunions, claw toes and hammer toes)
- Toe nail pathology
- Dryness, callouses, corns, cracks or infections
See your podiatrist or doctor if you have any of the following symptoms:
- Numbness
- Coldness of the legs
- Tingling or pins and needles sensation in the feet
- Burning pains in the legs and feet, usually more noticeable in bed at night.
In addition to regular checks ups with a podiatrist you should also wash, dry and check your feet every day. Check for redness, swelling, cuts, pus discharge, splinters or blisters. Be especially careful to look between toes, around your heels and nail edges. Keep your toenails short. Moisturise your feet daily to avoid dry skin and never use over the counter corn plasters.