foot care for people with diabetes mellitus
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Foot Care for People with Diabetes Mellitus
Linda Laakso B.Sc.C.O.(c)Custom Orthotic Design Group Ltd./The Orthotic Centre
85% of all lower extremity amputations are preceded by a diabetic foot ulcer (DFU)
(Orstead et al., 2006)
How can we protect and keep our feet?
Know causes of foot problems- Sensory neuropathy- Autonomic neuropathy- Motor neuropathy
What can you do?- Screen- Protect
Sensory Neuropathy causes Loss of feeling- The nerves that allow you to feel are damaged very slowly- Leads to Loss of Protective Sensation (LOPS)
You can’t feel
Sensory Neuropathy causes
Loss of Proprioception
Sense of where your body parts are
You can develop poor balance
Autonomic Neuropathy causes Dry Skin
-The nerves to the sweat glands are damaged-Leads to loss of natural moisturizers
Dry, cracked skin
Motor Neuropathy causes Weak Muscles
The nerves that go to the muscles are damaged
muscle weakness
drop foot
deformity
high pressure areas
Potential Effects:
- Loss of protective sensation- Poor balance- Dry skin- Muscle weakness- Foot deformity
What can you do?
Loss of protective sensationScreen: Inspect your feet several times a day Inspect your shoes before putting them onProtect: Don’t go barefoot -> always wear shoes
What can you do?
Poor balanceProtect:
Choose stable shoesClick for more about shoes &
comfort footwear Use a cane or a walker
What can you do?
Dry skinProtect:
Moisturize(but not between the toes!)
What can you do?
Muscle weaknessScreen:
Talk to your doctor… A brace may help
Click for more about an ankle brace
What can you do?
Foot deformityProtect:
Take the pressure awayFoot orthoses (orthotics)
Click for more about foot orthosesOrthopaedic shoes
Complication Potential Effect What you can do
Sensory Neuropathy Loss of feeling - Check your feet everyday
- Check inside of your shoes before putting them on
- Wear shoes all of the time
Sensory Neuropathy Poor balance - Choose stable shoes- Use a cane or walker
Autonomic Neuropathy Dry feet - MoisturizeMotor Neuropathy Muscle weakness - Use a cane or walker
- Use a brace
Motor Neuropathy Foot deformity - Use foot orthoses- Proper shoes
Who Can Help?
- Doctor- Nurse- Chiropodist- Certified Orthotist
Contact us for a FREE Initial Assessment!
Click for
More Information on Diabetes Mellitus or Diabetic Foot Care Tips
or
to book an Appointment
Thank You!
Contact Information:Linda Laakso B.Sc.C.O.(c)Custom Orthotic Design Group Ltd. and The Orthotic CentreHead Office: Toll free 1-866-829-2969Mississauga: (905) 828-2969Guelph: (519) 826-9890Hamilton: (905) 540-9600Oshawa: (905) 725-3523for a copy of this presentation, please email Linda Laakso <lindalaakso at customorthotic.ca>