Assessing Pressure Ulcers
Pressure in combination with shear can lead to the development of localised injury to the skin, also known as pressure ulcers. Understanding the aetiology of pressure ulcers can help in the adoption of an early podiatric care regimen to prevent serious consequences especially in diabetic patients.
Managing the Neuropathic Foot with MASS4D®
Any damage or disruption in the normal functioning of the body's nervous system can lead to a condition called neuropathy. This is usually of three types – sensory, motor and autonomic peripheral neuropathy – with each having its own distinct set of symptoms.
Managing Diabetic Foot Infections
Diabetic foot infections represent a major foot complication for patients with diabetes mellitus, necessitating the implementation of efficient foot care practises and management programmes.
Risk Factors for Foot Ulcerations
The prevention of first and recurrent foot ulcers especially in patients with diabetes mellitus is essential to protect the individual from a host of foot complications and lower limb amputations.
Supportive Treatment for Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy
Neuropathic conditions are complex and often posses a multifactorial aetiology that leads to disruption in the functioning of three types of nerves – autonomic, motor and sensory.
Symptoms and Causes of Callus
A callus (tyloma) foot is marked by the formation of thick, hardened skin most often on the medial edge of the hallux. The rough layers are gradually developed over a period of time to protect the skin from constant exposure to friction or pressure.
Diabetic Foot Ulcers
The etiology of diabetic foot ulceration is multifactorial involving risk factors as varied as peripheral sensory neuropathy, increased plantar pressures and micro-trauma. In addition to these, calluses, edema and atherosclerotic peripheral arterial disease have also been identified as precursors to the development of diabetic foot ulcers.
Diabetic Foot Management
Peripheral neuropathy is considered to be one of the key contributors to foot problems in patients with diabetes; affecting the autonomic nerve fibers along with the motor and sensory nerve fibers in patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.