Checking sensitivity
Diabetic feet treatment: The patient’s feet will be cleaned with an anti-bacterial solution and thoroughly checked. If a pulse cannot be felt a doppler (sonar) will be used to check blood supply. The patient’s feet are then checked for sensitivity with a specialist device. Loss of sensitivity (neuropathy) is very serious and can cause the patient to have a stone or thorn stuck in their foot and whilst unable to feel this the patient may develope an infection or ulcer which in diabetics is difficult to heal.
Nails will be trimmed, hard skin and corns removed and skin buffed.
Footcare will be discussed and the patient’s requirements will be prioritised. The patient’s feet will then be massaged with a footcream especially created for diabetic skin containing 20% urea to promote healthy feet.
