We get it. Fitting your feet into your daily routine can prove a challenge. But did you know an estimated 50,000 Australians currently have a diabetic foot ulcer and at least another 50,000 have a history of diabetic foot ulcers? When you think about how much time is spent avoiding the issue in the first place and then how much time is spent trying to fix the ulcer - it equates to a lot of time spent managing a problem that in 80% of cases could have been avoided.
So the big question is...how would you rather spend your time?
let's start with some latest research
The facts speak for themselves. Diabetic foot ulcers are reported as the leading cause of amputation in Australia, are in the top twenty causes of hospitalisation and have five year mortality rates worse than many cancers. Essentially diabetic foot ulcers are the triple threat you don't want.
In good news though, researchers have been busy investigating the important role time plays for diabetic foot ulcers. And they have found that the earlier a GP refers a patient to a multidisciplinary diabetic foot team, the more likely the ulcer will heal quickly and the less likely the patient will develop infection, be hospitalised or require an amputation.
It's about
Time with your
diabetic foot team
Over the last 30 years, expert multidisciplinary diabetic foot teams have been shown to be more effective in managing diabetic foot ulcers compared to solo expert health practitioners. So what should you expect when checking in with your own Diabetic Foot Team?
Medication
Your current medication should be checked for both your foot health and general health.
Assessment
Your ulcer should be properly assessed to see if it's improving or needs different treatment.
Debridement
Any unhealthy skin on and around your ulcer should be removed if possible.
Antibiotics
If your ulcer has become infected, new antibiotics should be prescribed.
Dressing
The correct dressing should be applied that properly absorbs the ulcer fluid.
Offloading
The right offloading device should be prescribed to remove the most pressure on the ulcer.
Referral
If the ulcer needs more specialised treatment, your team should refer you to the specialist you need.
Education
Advise you on how you can help your ulcer at home and what to look out for between visits.
It's about
Time with your
diabetic foot team
Over the last 30 years, expert multidisciplinary diabetic foot teams have been shown to be more effective in managing diabetic foot ulcers compared to solo expert health practitioners. So what should you expect when checking in with your own Diabetic Foot Team?
Medication
Your current medication should be checked for both your foot health and general health.
Assessment
Your ulcer should be properly assessed to see if it's improving or needs different treatment.
Debridement
Any unhealthy skin on and around your ulcer should be removed if possible.
Antibiotics
If your ulcer has become infected, new antibiotics should be prescribed.
Dressing
The correct dressing should be applied that properly absorbs the ulcer fluid.
Offloading
The right offloading device should be prescribed to remove the most pressure on the ulcer.
Referral
If the ulcer needs more specialised treatment, your team should refer you to the specialist you need.
Education
Advise you on how you can help your ulcer at home and what to look out for between visits.
After more information? Click here to check out the NADC High Risk Foot Services Standards
Spend time wisely
at home to help
your foot ulcer
Check for
Infection
Infection significantly increases the risk of hospitalisation and amputation. When changing your dressing at home, check if your foot feels hot, is red, swollen or has any pus.
Inspect Your
Feet
Once you've checked your ulcer, inspect your feet for other lesions (calluses, corns or blisters) that can develop into new ulcers without prompt treatment.
Wear your prescribed offloading device
Offloading devices such as Moonboots are prescribed to reduce as much pressure as possible under your ulcer to promote faster healing. So it's extremely important to wear them both inside and outside the house.
Act on any foot
changes ASAP
Remember time is key, when treatment commences as soon as possible. Make sure you urgently act on any new infections, ulcers or pre-ucler lesions when you are checking your feet at home.
Spend time wisely
at home to help
your foot ulcer
Check for
Infection
Infection significantly increases the risk of hospitalisation and amputation. When changing your dressing at home, check if your foot feels hot, is red, swollen or has any pus.
Inspect Your
Feet
Once you've checked your ulcer, inspect your feet for other lesions (calluses, corns or blisters) that can develop into new ulcers without prompt treatment.
Wear your prescribed offloading device
Offloading devices such as Moonboots are prescribed to reduce as much pressure as possible under your ulcer to promote faster healing. So it's extremely important to wear them both inside and outside the house.
Act on any foot
changes ASAP
Remember time is key, when treatment commences as soon as possible. Make sure you urgently act on any new infections, ulcers or pre-ucler lesions when you are checking your feet at home.
Health Professionals!
It's about time
to book your
DFA 2019 Pass!