The Diabetic Foot Flashcards
What test is used to see if someone has peripheral neuropathy?
Monofilament test
What is the most common site of ulcers on the foot?
Ball of the foot
What three arms of neuropathy are involved in causing foot ulceration and how are they involved?
Sensory: indicative of diabetic foot problems
Motor: causes imbalance between extensors + long plantar flexors causing an abnormal shape of the foot- there will be increased pressure being applied on the ball of the foot + knuckles of the toes.
Autonomic: can lead to abnormal blood flow (increase pulse pressure in the foot). Reduces sweating, which normally protects the foot from minor disease.
What effect can sugar binding to haemoglobin have on the feet?
Sugar sticks to collagen + limits flexibility of collagen
Limits joint mobility
What are the 3 types of diabetic feet?
Neuropathic Foot
Ischaemic Foot
Neuro-ischaemic Foot
Describe the neuropathic foot. Where is the most common site of ulceration in these feet?
Numb
Warm (because blood flow isn’t regulated properly)
Dry
Palpable foot pulses
Ulcers at points of high-pressure loading
Describe the ischaemic foot. Where is the most common site of ulceration in these feet?
Cold
Pulseless
Ulcers at foot margins
What is Charcot foot?
Where neuropathy leads to joint overuse + misuse
Leads to bones losing their normal articulations
Abnormal foot shape makes it at extreme risk of ulceration
What can ulceration of the foot lead to?
Osteomyelitis
What complications of diabetes predispose to foot disease?
Neuropathy (sensory, motor + autonomic)
Peripheral vascular disease
Describe the neuropathic-ischaemic foot
Numb Cold Dry Pulseless Ulcers at points of high pressure loading + foot margins
Describe management of foot ulceration
Relief of pressure Antibiotics Debridement Revascularisation (angioplasty, arterial bypass surgery) Amputation
