Take good care of your feet!

A staggering 37,800 runners took part in the London marathon this week, marking the highest level of participants in the marathons’ 34 year history. Following the extensive 26.2 mile run, there will be many who suffer aches and pains to their legs and feet. Preparation is everything and for those taking part, hours of training and planning often lead to a successful run. Some runners spend hundreds of pounds on the correct footwear for the event. However, people don’t exercise the same level of attention to their daily footwear or their foot care needs, according to Diabetes UK.
The national charity recently revealed that more than 100 people with diabetes have a toe, foot or leg amputated each week!
Diabetes UK has launched a specialist campaign called “ Putting Feet First”, with the purpose of reducing the significant level of amputations that currently take place in the UK. The campaign, whilst aimed at members of the public, particularly those with diabetes, is also aimed at heath care professionals and commissioners.
If you suffer from diabetes, it is recommended that you look out for the following types of problems to your feet:
Damage to nerves might be indicated by:
• Tingling sensation or pins and needles
• Pain or burning sensation
• Sweating less
• Heat or hot skin
• Changes to the shape of the feet
• Loss of feeling in the legs or feet

Damage to blood supply may be indicated by
• Cramp to calves
• Shiny smooth skin
• Cold pale feet
• Changes in skin colour
• Sores that don’t heal
• Swollen feet

The charity has helpfully produced a leaflet which provides a checklist of what an annual diabetic foot screen should involve. A suitable foot screen should include the following:
1. You should be asked to remove all socks, shoes, stockings or other foot coverings;
2. Your feet should be examined, looking for corns, calluses or changes in appearance;
3. Your feet should be tested for numbness;
4. You should be asked detailed questions about your feet including any noticeable changes;
5. Your footwear should also be examined to make sure its not causing any problems to your feet;
6. At the conclusion of the assessment, you should be told the results;
7. You should be told about your level of risk and what to do next.
Additionally, the charity has devised an integrated foot care pathway, with the aim of assessing urgent cases and ensuring a 24 hour referral to a multi disciplinary team.
Amongst the recommendations to heath care professionals are :
•Understanding the risk of diabetic foot disease.
•Talking about it to people with diabetes.
•Sending people with diabetes a leaflet about the importance of their annual foot check, providing quality foot checks, documenting the level of risk of developing foot ulcers, and telling people with diabetes what their risk is.
•Quickly referring to specialists where necessary, and providing seamless transfer of care by following an integrated foot care pathway.
•Participating in the National Diabetes Audit in England and Wales.
•Participating in diabetes networks to influence the delivery of integrated care in local areas.

Carlos Lopez, Head of the clinical negligence team at Vincents Solicitors, commented, “The level of weekly amputations in the UK is unbelievable. Basic foot care is of fundamental importance to everyone, but particularly those with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. As with most elements of self care, educating patients is key. However, sadly failures by medical practitioners, to thoroughly examine a patient or make an urgent referral, continues to add to the growing levels of amputations. “
“Having acted for many diabetic patients, including those affected by nerve damage and amputation, I welcome both the campaign and the integrated foot care pathway. Anything which raises public awareness of the severity of foot problems in patients with diabetes is a good thing. With the impending warmer weather, people resort to scandals and other open toed footwear, which increases the risk of foot injury and infection. The timing of this campaign great.”
More information can be found at http://www.diabetes.org.uk/putting-feet-first