Foot Problems
Foot Problems
Improper or poorly fitting shoes are major contributors to diabetes foot ulcerations. Counsel patients about appropriate footwear. All patients with diabetes need to pay special attention to the fit and style of their shoes and should avoid pointed-toe shoes or high heels. Properly fitted athletic or walking shoes are recommended for daily wear. If off-the-shelf shoes are used, make sure that there is room to accommodate any deformities.
High risk patients may require therapeutic shoes, depth-inlay shoes, custom-molded inserts (orthoses), or custom-molded shoes depending on the degree of foot deformity and history of ulceration.
Indicate whether the patient has received prior education by checking yes or no in the blank. Patient education is an essential component of preventive care.
Complete the management plan, indicating actions for patient education, any diagnostic studies, footwear recommendations, referrals, and follow-up care. Note: The management of foot problems may be the responsibility of different health care providers. For example, in some communities, certified nurses provide home health services or practice in primary care or foot care clinics to provide specialized diabetes foot care.
Feet Can Last a Lifetime
In this article
- Introduction
- Steps for Preventing Diabetes Foot Problems
- Foot Screening Instructions
- I. Medical History
- II. Current History
- III. Foot Exam
- IV. Sensory Foot Exam
- V. Risk Categorization
- VI. Footwear Assessment
- VII. Education
- VIII. Management Plan
VI. Footwear Assessment
Improper or poorly fitting shoes are major contributors to diabetes foot ulcerations. Counsel patients about appropriate footwear. All patients with diabetes need to pay special attention to the fit and style of their shoes and should avoid pointed-toe shoes or high heels. Properly fitted athletic or walking shoes are recommended for daily wear. If off-the-shelf shoes are used, make sure that there is room to accommodate any deformities.
High risk patients may require therapeutic shoes, depth-inlay shoes, custom-molded inserts (orthoses), or custom-molded shoes depending on the degree of foot deformity and history of ulceration.
- Shoe must protect and support the feet
- Shoe must accommodate foot deformaties
- Shoe shape must match foot shape
VII. Education
Indicate whether the patient has received prior education by checking yes or no in the blank. Patient education is an essential component of preventive care.
VIII. Management Plan
Complete the management plan, indicating actions for patient education, any diagnostic studies, footwear recommendations, referrals, and follow-up care. Note: The management of foot problems may be the responsibility of different health care providers. For example, in some communities, certified nurses provide home health services or practice in primary care or foot care clinics to provide specialized diabetes foot care.
