For many people who suffer from diabetes, getting proper and through foot care is a common cause of concern. The good news is that the team at Aldershot foot care is here to help.
Many diabetics will experience problems with their foot care at some point in their lives. Over time, diabetes can lead to nerve damage and loss of feeling, making them less likely to become aware of cuts or ulcers on their lower extremities. This can lead to injuries being left untreated and possibly getting infected. Diabetes can also cause a reduction of blood flow to the feet. Eventually, all of these problems can possibly require amputation of the limb. This is why it’s so important for diabetics to seek out the best care available.
Here at Aldershot Foot Care Clinic, we take the risks associated with diabetes very seriously. Because of this, every one of our diabetic patients receive a thorough assessment of their foot health by a highly trained foot care nurse.
Foot care nurses are registered nurses or registered practical nurses that are trained and certified to examine the foot and recognize any problems and assess the likelihood of future problems developing down the road. Foot care nurses are trained in callous and corn removal, toenail trimming for patients unable to do this themselves, and educating patients and their families on proper ways to care for their feet.
The nurse will examine the patient’s feet and identify any issues, making sure they’re cared for or noted so they are monitored moving forward. The extent and frequency of follow-ups will depend heavily on the patient’s risk factor for complications.
Our patients are also assessed and treated by podiatrists. Podiatrists are doctors that attend specialized schools rather than traditional medical schools. They graduate as medical specialists that treat injuries to the legs and feet, and complications from conditions like diabetes. Podiatrists can do surgery, reset broken bones, prescribe medications and order lab tests and x-rays.
If the podiatrists or foot care nurse at Aldershot Foot Care Clinic determines that there is moderate to high risk of worsening problems, the patient will be referred to their primary physician for examination and follow-up.
Foot care nurses provide an essential healthcare service, and they are trained with the knowledge and expertise to do so. If you have problems with your feet, call the team at Aldershot Foot Care today. Whether you have diabetes or not, our team of experts, including a trained foot care nurse, will assess your feet and work with you collaboratively to develop a plan of care the meets your specific needs.