Podiatry
Diabetic Foot Care
The Podiatry department cares for patients’ foot and lower limb problems in an inpatient and outpatient setting. Through thorough assessments, our team of experienced podiatrists assists patients to resolve foot problems and offer specialised foot care management of high risk wounds, skin and nail conditions, musculoskeletal assessment and gait assessment (including orthotic management). We also see patients for general diabetic care including annual foot screening services.
Why is foot care important? Your feet require special attention if you have diabetes. Diabetes can affect your blood vessels and nerves, particularly those in the feet. This may result in your feet becoming numb and at risk of being damaged. If your foot is injured, wounds may take a longer time to heal. Good self-care is therefore important in maintaining a healthy pair of feet.
Caring for your feet Do’s:
Wash them daily
Dry your feet, including the toes
Check your feet daily
Use a mirror to check your sole
Do’s:
Apply moisturiser daily, except in between the toes
Use saline to clean cuts and apply sterile dressing
Cut nails straight across and not too short
Use a nail file to file the edges
Wear comfortable covered shoes with socks
Wear soft slippers indoors
Don’ts:
Do not soak feet in hot water
Do not use medicated plasters or sharp objects to treat corns and calluses
Do not walk on massage stones
Do not walk barefoot outdoors or indoors
My Foot Care Checklist I will: Wash and check my feet daily Apply moisturiser on my feet daily Cut my nails straight across and file the edges Wear appropriate shoes at all times Attend my annual Diabetic Foot Screening Contact my Podiatrist or GP if I notice discharge, redness and/or swelling
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