Read More
Diabetic neuropathy, circulation and risk assessment
We can provide a risk assessment for your diabetes…
1 in 5 people over the age of 60 in the UK have some degree of Peripheral Artery Disease. 1 in 10 people in the UK have diabetes and 1 million have not been diagnosed. It may be that you have discomfort or aches and pains from symptoms associated with PAD or Diabetes. Our assessment may highlight early signs of these and enable you to seek further advice from your GP.
Those diagnosed with Diabetes are entitled to an annual NHS podiatry/chiropody screening service annually, it is essential that you continue to attend these, we are complementing this service and offering it to all of our patients. One of the common complications of diabetes are foot problems. Overtime, diabetes can lead to peripheral nerve damage, accelerated peripheral arterial disease and a reduced ability to fight infections. These factors can make your feet vulnerable, and therefore if you are diagnosed diabetic then extra care and monitoring is essential. During the assessment we will ask you some questions relating to your general health and lifestyle followed by our checklist and foot examination. You may or may not have any symptoms but would like reassurance that we will monitor and refer to your GP our findings as required.
What we Assess
Impaired Blood Supply
- The arterial blood supply of the foot and ankle using an ultrasound doppler
- The temperature of the legs and feet
- Colour and capillary refill of the feet and toes
- Skin condition and hair loss
- Nail condition and thickness
- Dependent Rubor and Buerger Test (change in leg colour when one limb is raised)
Impaired Sensation – Neuropathy
- The feelings of vibration in sites of the foot
- Awareness of blunt or sharp sensation, using a monofilament
Nail and Skin Assessment
- The formation of callus or skin conditions
- The condition of your toenails
- Your risk of infection
Regular assessment can…
- Help prevent infections and ulcers
- Reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke or heart failure
- Help you avoid surgery, including amputations
- Improve your quality of life and your life expectancy!
- With regular foot health checks we can help your GP diagnose early signs or acceleration of Diabetes and Peripheral Arterial Disease or high cholesterol.
- Your GP may prescribe medication on further medical assessment, or it may be that there is no follow up needed.
- To book this service simply ask your Healthy Feet Practitioner for availability and price for your next appointment visit.
We recommend that we perform a Risk Assessment every six months in those over 60 or those with known Diabetes. You will receive your own copy of the assessment to keep.
