Diabetic Feet

What are Diabetic Feet?

Diabetic feet is a condition that diabetics are prone to suffering from. It is where the feet become numb and prone to ulcer­a­tion and self damage.

Unfortunately when the feet become numb it is easier to hurt them and not realise. In some cases the vascular system can be weakened by diabetes. When the vascular system is weakened the body is prone to arterial and venous ulcers.

When chronic ulcer­a­tion and weakened vascular system are at play, on occasion limbs need to be amputated in order for the body to heal.

Treatment of Diabetic Feet

Diabetic foot socks can be worn to aid in the cir­cu­la­tion of the area and reduce swelling in the feet. Diabetic socks are usually 15 — 20mmHg below the knee. Stockings need to be worn daily to aid in circulation.

When there is lack of sensation in the feet and legs, they should be checked regularly for bruising and cuts. Cuts and sores can lead to ulcer­a­tion in the foot or limb.

Blood sugar levels need to be main­tained at a healthy range every day. This will reduce the need for inter­ven­tion in the future.

What is an amputation?

An ampu­ta­tion is the removal of a limb on the body. This could be a toe, foot or leg.

Preparing for the Procedure

Prior to your procedure the secretary will advise you of your admission date and time. You may be admitted the night before or the morning of the procedure.

You will be asked to fast from food from midnight the night before your procedure. You may drink fluids until one hour before the procedure.

Take all your usual med­ica­tions on the day except diabetic or anti­co­ag­u­la­tion (Warfarin or Plavix) med­ica­tions. If you have not been advised when to stop taking Warfarin please contact the office. Continue to take aspirin as usual.

If needed, a blood test will be performed either prior to admission or within a short period after arrival at the hospital.

You will not need to remove your glasses, hearing aids and dentures. You will be awake through­out the procedure. Please empty your bladder before the procedure.

Post Procedure

When the procedure is complete, you will be moved back to the ward. You will need to stay in bed for 4 – 6 hours depending on your Doctor’s instructions.

The head  of the bed can be raised to the approx­i­mate­ly 30°. You may eat and drink on return to the ward.

Your blood pressure pulse, foot pulse and puncture site will be checked frequently.

Please report imme­di­ate­ly any of the following:

• Fresh bleeding from puncture site
• Numbness swelling or pain at the puncture site
• Feeling unwell
• Altered sensation in the legs

You will need to use a bed pan or urinal if you want to pass urine while you  are confined to bed.

You will be required to stay overnight, you could be in hospital for up to 5 days.

Discharge Information

You must not drive a car on the day of your procedure, and for 24 hours post procedure.  Therefore it will be necessary to arrange for someone to drive you home from hospital.

Avoid any strenuous activ­i­ties for at least 24 hours following your procedure.

If bleeding occurs, apply firm pressure to the puncture site, rest quietly and contact your doctor.