Managing complications of the diabetic foot

Cheer, Kelly, Shearman, Cliff P. and Jude, Edward B. (2009) Managing complications of the diabetic foot. BMJ, 339 (7733), 1304-1307. (doi:10.1136/bmj.b4905). (PMID:19955124)

Abstract

Foot problems occur in around 5% of patients with diabetes each year and cause considerable morbidity and mortality

Problems are caused by peripheral neuropathy or peripheral arterial disease (or both)

Patients with diabetes should be assessed at least once a year for foot pulses, foot sensation, and risk of ulceration

Up to a third of patients with foot ulcers have osteomyelitis, which can be difficult to diagnose

Charcot’s neuroarthropathy must be considered in patients presenting with a unilateral hot or swollen foot

Advice and education on foot care are essential for patients with diabetes

This record has no associated files available for download.

Contributors

Download statistics