Some years back Prof David Armstrong wrote this excellent article for his patients. His advice is just as pertinent 8 years on. Have a read and perhaps share it with your patients too. https://diabeticfootonline.com/2009/09/21/common-foot-problems-and-their-solutions/
The US Association for the Advancement of Wound Care (2015) produced the Wound Care Patient's Bill of Rights. The statements within this document are worthy of consideration as the principles expressed may have a meaningful place within our own individual professional practices. Patients have a right to
Amanda Steinhauser recently wrote a blog piece (Wound Source August 2017) discussing how accurate outcomes reporting improves patient care. She made an interesting statement
FDA has approved L-glutamine powder (oral administration) for the treatment of sickle cell disease. Hydroxyurea has been the gold standard for many years however it has been identified as a causal agent of spontaneous, painful lower leg ulcers in small numbers of patients. Glutamine is
A recent study by Nassaji, Ghorbani and Shkofte concluded that Atorvastatin may have a role in preventing diabetic foot related infections. They point out that whilst statins have a lipid-lowering effect, they also demonstrate anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory actions. Their observations are supported by work done
Dr Jacqui Chirgwin is the lead Phlebologist and Medical Director of Newcastle's (NSW) Vein and Laser Centre. I recently had the opportunity to spend a day with her and her team in order to learn more about the role of sclerotherapy and laser ablation for
Pressure injury is recognised as commencing in deeper soft tissues and by the time that skin changes are visible it is generally too late to avoid tissue damage. Visual inspection of skin over bony prominences is an important assessment and care activity. However, an objective
http://www.smith-nephew.com/news-and-media/media-releases/news/smith-nephew-signs-exclusive-worldwide-distribution-agreement-for-the-revolutionary-moleculight-ixtm-imaging-device/ Point of care technologies which make a real time difference to clinical decisions are a holy grail which is gradually being realised.
Until recently I had never heard of Podoconiosis. It presents in a very similar fashion to the better known Elephantitis or Filariasis, which produces chronic oedema with its accompanying skin changes and limb deformity. Filariasis is mosquito bourne and involves the habitation of a round
Smoking Drugs - opioids, steroids, anticoaggulants, illicit Diabetes Obesity (BMI >40 there is a 51% chance of infection within 6 weeks of the surgery) Pre-eclampsia Prior C-section Poor nutrition Ischaemia (normally intra, peri and post-op) Retained foreign bodies - sutures, clips, drains, dressing materials