Foot Care for People with Diabetes Mellitus

Linda Laakso B.Sc.C.O.(c)Custom Orthotic Design Group Ltd./The Orthotic Centre

85% of all lower extremity amputations are preceded by a diabetic foot ulcer (DFU)

(Orstead et al., 2006)

How can we protect and keep our feet?

Know causes of foot problems- Sensory neuropathy- Autonomic neuropathy- Motor neuropathy

What can you do?- Screen- Protect

Sensory Neuropathy causes Loss of feeling- The nerves that allow you to feel are damaged very slowly- Leads to Loss of Protective Sensation (LOPS)

You can’t feel

Sensory Neuropathy causes

Loss of Proprioception

Sense of where your body parts are

You can develop poor balance

Autonomic Neuropathy causes Dry Skin

-The nerves to the sweat glands are damaged-Leads to loss of natural moisturizers

Dry, cracked skin

Motor Neuropathy causes Weak Muscles

The nerves that go to the muscles are damaged

muscle weakness

drop foot

deformity

high pressure areas

Potential Effects:

- Loss of protective sensation- Poor balance- Dry skin- Muscle weakness- Foot deformity

What can you do?

Loss of protective sensationScreen: Inspect your feet several times a day Inspect your shoes before putting them onProtect: Don’t go barefoot -> always wear shoes

What can you do?

Poor balanceProtect:

Choose stable shoesClick for more about shoes &

comfort footwear Use a cane or a walker

What can you do?

Dry skinProtect:

Moisturize(but not between the toes!)

What can you do?

Muscle weaknessScreen:

Talk to your doctor… A brace may help

Click for more about an ankle brace

What can you do?

Foot deformityProtect:

Take the pressure awayFoot orthoses (orthotics)

Click for more about foot orthosesOrthopaedic shoes

Complication Potential Effect What you can do

Sensory Neuropathy Loss of feeling - Check your feet everyday

- Check inside of your shoes before putting them on

- Wear shoes all of the time

Sensory Neuropathy Poor balance - Choose stable shoes- Use a cane or walker

Autonomic Neuropathy Dry feet - MoisturizeMotor Neuropathy Muscle weakness - Use a cane or walker

- Use a brace

Motor Neuropathy Foot deformity - Use foot orthoses- Proper shoes

Who Can Help?

- Doctor- Nurse- Chiropodist- Certified Orthotist

Contact us for a FREE Initial Assessment!

Click for

More Information on Diabetes Mellitus or Diabetic Foot Care Tips

or

to book an Appointment

Thank You!

Contact Information:Linda Laakso B.Sc.C.O.(c)Custom Orthotic Design Group Ltd. and The Orthotic CentreHead Office: Toll free 1-866-829-2969Mississauga: (905) 828-2969Guelph: (519) 826-9890Hamilton: (905) 540-9600Oshawa: (905) 725-3523for a copy of this presentation, please email Linda Laakso <lindalaakso at customorthotic.ca>