Diabetic Feet Flashcards
What is the most common cause for hospitalizations in the diabetic population?
problems with the diabetic foot
In what 4 ways does diabetes affect the foot?
neuropathy
PVD
musculoskeletal defomities
infections
What symptoms are associated with sensory neuropathy?
numbness, burning, tingling, pins and needles
What causes the diabetic’s body to not be able to fight off infections or heal wounds in the foot?
peripheral vascular disease
What does bilateral swelling of the feet indicate?
cardiac failure, renal impairment, venous insufficiency, and rarely neuropathy
What does unilateral swelling of the feet indicate?
infection, charcot foot, gout, trauma, dvt, venous insufficiency, lymphoedema 2ndary to malignancy
What is onychomycosis?
fungal nail infection
-most common deformity of the nail in diabetic feet
What is onychocryptosis?
ingrown toenails
What indicates significant neuropathy when performing the monofilament test?
if unable to feel < 6 sites
remember: poke perpendicular and hold for 2-3 seconds after monofilament buckles–don’t do over calluses
What indicates neuropathy with the monofilament test?
two or more sites unfelt
What are 4 objective exam techniques for the diabetic foot?
- palpation of foot pulses
- capillary refill
- doppler testing
- edematous changes
What are some signs of arterial disease?
- intermittent claudication
- thin, shiny skin with lack of hair
- lack of subq “padding”
- dusky red/cyanotic/grey color
What does pes planus mean?
pes cavus?
planus: flat foot
cavus: high arch
Why are diabetic foot problems difficult to treat?
-increased blood glucose and lack of blood flow
What bugs usually cause cellulitis? What can be used to treat them?
Group A and B strep and staph aureus
-use cephalosporin or clindamycin
