E N D
1. Basic Footcare for high risk feet A lecture for NHS staff
Tutor: Andy Neve Specialist Podiatrist
E-mail: andyneve@chiropods.co.uk
Website: www.chiropods.co.uk
2. Foot Function? Locomotion
Stability
Cultural Aesthetic
Foot Size: Male: Large Feet = attractive
Female: Small Feet = attractive
Foot Shape: Chinese Foot Binding
3. Chinese Foot Binding or the Golden Lotus
4. Are western societies any less obsessed with changing foot shapes?
5. Footwear Function Protection
Weather, environment.
Comfort
Warmth, ventilation
Functional for Activity
Walking, Running, Sports, Social
6. How the foot works Normal gait:
Controlled falling
Shifting centre of gravity forward
Feet and leg moves forward to prevent fall.
Swing Phase:
Toe off; dorsiflexion of ankle; Supinate
Stance Phase:
Heel Strike; Mid Stance; Pronate
7. How Age affects function of feet Age related or Medical problems can lead to:
Ischaemia
Neuropathy
Foot Deformity
Poor Tissue Viability
Poor Gait
8. Diabetic Foot Problems Foot ulceration – 'diabetic foot' – is the commonest reason for people with diabetes to be admitted to hospital in the UK. (Young MJ et al 1994)
Diabetic Foot problems take up more bed days than all the other complications put together (Waugh NR 1988)
According to one widely cited study, people with diabetes are 15 times more likely to need amputation than people without the condition. (Bild DE et al 1989)
11. What to look for? Check toenails, toes, in between toes Ball of the feet and heels
Look for Blisters, fissures, wounds or ulcers
Anything that may cause an opportunity for a bacterial infection
16. Example of hidden infection/ulcer
17. Referring patients to specialists Non healing wounds
Medical staff: Antibiotics, vascular team
Nursing staff: Dressing advice
Tissue Viability Nurses: New Ideas
Diabetes?
Diabetes Specialist Nurses
Specialist Podiatrists
Corns, Callus, Toenail Problems
Hospital Podiatrists/Chiropodists while on ward
Community Podiatrists/Chiropodists on discharge
18. Sharp debridement by Specialist Diabetes Podiatrist
19. What to do about foot wounds? Establish cause if possible (etiology)
Avoid cause if possible
Antibiotics and Antimicrobial dressings if wound is infected
Iodine or silver based
If wound is sloughy use chemical debriders until base of wound is healthy red/pink granulation tissue
Hydrocolloid like Aquacel to sloughy area only
Intrasite or Purilon Gel
20. Example of burn from a radiant heater
21. NHS referral Criteria for Podiatry/Chiropody Priority are Foot Problems associated with medical conditions:
Ischaemia
Diabetes
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Neuropathy/Neurological conditions
Secondary are general patients with foot problems such as specific nail conditions; corns or callus exacerbated by age related problems
Not “social” nail cutting
22. Products to avoid Corn and callus plasters/creams/solns
Corn Knives
Cheese grater type callus removers Contain Acids
Can cause Ulceration
Non sterile blade
Can cause infections
Too abrasive
Can cause wounds
23. Affects of Corn Plaster
24. Products that can be safe Pumice Stones
Emollients
Foot Spas Use wet and with soap
Used daily such as Aqueous Cream BP
Check Temp.
Use for few minutes only
Beware vibration mode
Avoid ones with infra red lamp
25. Footwear Advice Good Shoe?
Good Fit
Length
Width (Ball & Toes)
Depth
Stable
Supportive?
Smooth internal seams
Fastenings Bad Shoe?
Poor Fit
Too long or short
Too narrow
Too shallow
Unstable
Not Supportive?
Rough internal seams
No Fastenings
26. Testing the fit of Shoes Template Method:
draw around foot onto card and cut out the outline and slide template into shoe to assess shoe fit
Inner sole method
Remove inner sole from shoe and stand on inner sole to assess overlap
Main areas of fit: Topline, Counter, Facings, Vamp, crease lines
27. Check shoe from the side
28. Heel design Heels should be as broad as the foot to aid stability
Increased heel height adds pressure to the forefoot and increases the lumbar curvature of the spine to stay upright.
Increased heel height reduces the need for a propulsive gait with dynamic foot function
29. Heel wear
30. Throat (topline) Entry point of foot into shoe
Ease of entry is affected by style
Fastening must be functional and adjustable
Adjustment allows for swelling
31. Distortion of the upper
32. Objective assessment Close fit at heel
No gaping at topline
No local tight spots
Broad heel of suitable height
Adequate width & depth for 1st MP joint
Functional fastening
33. Remember High Risk Feet can deteriorate rapidly
34. 3 weeks later after moist wound healing techniques applied
35. Pt. Hospitalised for infection and BKA
36. Summary Check skin of the feet for wounds
Treat any open wounds
Check footwear and give advice to patient, carers and family
Refer on to specialists when necessary
High Risk feet can deteriorate rapidly
Always check both feet even if pt says its only my “left” one.