This website contains imagery that is only suitable for audiences 18+. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.
This website contains imagery that is only suitable for audiences 18+. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.
Diabetic foot problems can include ulcers, infection, circulation issues, deformity and wound‑healing challenges. Early assessment is important to reduce the risk of complications. A consultation is required to assess the issue and determine appropriate management, which may include wound care, vascular assessment, off‑loading, or referral to other services.
Management depends on the underlying cause and severity. Treatment may involve medical wound care, infection control, pressure off‑loading, optimisation of blood glucose, and assessment of circulation. Some cases require multidisciplinary care. Outcomes vary and depend on severity, circulation, infection status and adherence to the care plan.
The aim of treatment is to support wound management and reduce the risk of complications where possible. Potential outcomes may include:
– Support for wound healing in some patients (not guaranteed).
– Reduction of pressure at ulcer sites through off‑loading strategies.
– Management of infection and prevention of deterioration where clinically appropriate.
– In selected cases, correction of deformity that contributes to recurrent ulceration.
Outcomes depend on circulation, glycaemic control, infection status, nutrition, smoking status, and adherence to care.
Suitability depends on the specific problem (ulcer, infection, deformity, circulation issues) and overall health. A suitable candidate is typically an adult who:
– Has diabetes with a foot wound, pain, skin changes or other concerns requiring assessment.
– Understands that management may require ongoing care and referrals.
– Is willing to follow off‑loading, wound care and monitoring recommendations.
You May Be a Good Candidate If
You may be a good candidate if you:
– You have a diabetic foot ulcer, recurrent pressure points, or foot deformity requiring assessment.
– You can attend regular reviews and follow wound care and off‑loading instructions.
– You are working with your healthcare team to manage diabetes and related conditions.
This procedure/treatment may not be appropriate if you:
– This depends on the proposed intervention. Some procedures may not be suitable with uncontrolled infection, poor circulation without revascularisation options, or medical conditions that make surgery unsafe.
– Emergent symptoms (fever, rapidly spreading redness, severe pain, black tissue, or sudden loss of circulation) — seek emergency care immediately.
– Expectation of a quick fix without ongoing care where clinically required.
Technique selection is individual and based on your anatomy, goals and safety considerations. Options may include:
– Clinical assessment and wound evaluation: includes infection and circulation screening.
– Off‑loading strategies: may include footwear changes or devices to reduce pressure on wounds.
– Referral and investigations: blood tests, imaging, and vascular studies may be recommended depending on findings.
Your clinician/surgeon will explain the recommended approach and expected trade‑offs during consultation.
Anesthesia
Anaesthesia depends on the intervention. Many assessments and wound care procedures do not require general anaesthesia. Surgical interventions, if needed, are planned separately.
You will receive individual instructions. Common requirements may include:
– Bring a list of medicines, recent blood glucose records and relevant medical history.
– Bring current footwear/orthotics if applicable.
– Do not self‑treat infected wounds; seek assessment promptly.
Return to Activity: depends on off‑loading and wound status; activity may be restricted to protect healing.
Assessing outcome: healing timelines vary and depend on circulation, infection and overall health.
The outcomes shown are only relevant for this patient and do not necessarily reflect the results other patients may experience, as results may vary due to many factors including the individual’s genetics, diet and exercise.
