Diabetic Foot Management
80% of diabetes-related amputations are preventable with proper treatment and ongoing management (Diabetic Foot Australia, 2019).
Effective podiatric intervention can drastically improve diabetic foot outcomes. Successful diabetic foot management will involve diabetic foot screening, staging the diabetic foot, modifying risk factors, preventative foot care and treatment of ulcers through education and making patients aware that they are at risk but not powerless.
Nearly all major amputations begin with a foot ulcer. This usually starts with an infection entering the foot and then progressing to gangrene. The other causes of amputation are a result of poor circulation, nerve damage or an unstable, deformed foot.
Regularly inspecting diabetic feet and taking immediate action when a concern arises is the key to preventing a major problem. All people with diabetes should have their feet assessed at least once every 12 months.
The aims of a diabetic foot examination are to:
- Evaluate and classify the foot
- Detect any serious problems
- Provide education on foot care and prevention
- Act upon any findings
- Refer on if necessary
The assessment we carry out will consist of performing a number of important tests which will help determine the likelihood of a diabetic foot complication. We will also be able to advise on how frequently you need your feet checked and if any treatment or ongoing care is required.
Daniel Bagnall
Founder & Senior Podiatrist