The Chiropody Clinic
Professional Podiatric care for your feet
01744 416300
1st Floor Woodside Health Centre, Woodside Road, Haydock, St.Helens, WA11 0NA
S.Cunliffe & Associates Ltd.
The Importance of Diabetic Foot Screening
Useful Documents For Patients
Diabetes and your feet - Published by The Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists
The risk of foot problems in people with diabetes is increased, largely because of either diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage or degeneration) or peripheral arterial disease (poor blood supply due to diseased large- and medium-sized blood vessels in the legs), or both. Peripheral arterial disease affects 1 in 3 people with diabetes over the age of 50, and can also increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.
For these reasons National guidelines published by NICE indicate anyone diagnosed with Diabetes should have annual foot screening to help prevent and identify foot problems.
What to expect
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Your screening will take up to 20 minutes to complete.
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You will be asked to remove any footwear, including socks/stockings.
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Your feet will be examined – including looking for corns, calluses and changes in shape.
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Your feet will be tested for numbness or changes in sensation (‘neuropathy’) with a fine plastic strand called a monofilament.
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Your circulation will be tested to ensure you have a good vascular supply
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You will be asked questions about your feet and diabetes management
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Your shoes will also be checked to make sure they are not causing any problems to your feet.
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You will be told the results and your level of risk of foot problems.
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You will be given information about what your level of risk means and what to do next.
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You will be given advice about how to look after for your feet at home, according to your level of risk. This will include a management/treatment plan.
