Types of foot wounds (Click on the blue boxes for more info)
Diabetic Foot Ulcers
If you have diabetes or known circulation changes, any damage to the skin on your feet can become a problem if not dealt with properly. If you have nerve damage you may not feel any pain or discomfort even if a wound is present. Diabetic foot ulcers are serious and can lead to infection, amputation and early death. Around 10% of people with people with diabetes will develop a foot ulcer at some point in their lives, with over 7,000 diabetes-related amputations occurring annually in the UK.
It is vital to check your feet every day. Spotting a problem quickly and seeking advice can lead to better outcomes.
Arterial Ulcers
These are due to an inadequate blood supply to the affected area (ischaemia). Factors that contribute to poor circulation include smoking.
These wounds can be slow to heal and may require lifestyle changes such as stopping smoking, changes to medication or specialist intervention from the vascular surgery team.
Pressure Damage
Pressure ulcers are areas of damage to your skin and the tissue underneath. You have a higher chance of getting them if you have difficulty moving. Pressure ulcers usually develop gradually but can sometimes appear over a few hours. Your risk of pressure damage is increased with factors such as poor nutrition, dehydration, incontinence, age, reduced sensation and certain medical conditions e.g. Diabetes.
Other causes
Kidney failure, high blood pressure, heart disease, lymphoedema (a condition that causes swelling in the feet and legs), clotting disorders, inflammatory diseases, impaired venous return and varicose veins.
How can I prevent foot ulcers?
The best way to prevent ulcers is to manage chronic health conditions more effectively (e.g. diabetes, heart disease etc), and lead a healthy lifestyle.
Smoking has a significant impact on foot health and slows the healing of foot ulcers. You can access stop smoking advice with this link:
Stop smoking service | NHS Fife
Daily foot checks
It is important to undertake daily foot checks;
- Use of a hand held mirror can be beneficial to see the soles of your feet.
- It is important to wear well-fitting shoes with clean, dry socks.
- Avoid walking barefoot to avoid trauma.
- Seek professional care by seeing a podiatrist for prompt treatment of any foot issues.
Danger signs
The purpose of this section is to highlight the problems you may encounter with your feet. If you encounter any of these problems then you need to be seen by a podiatrist.
Foot red, warm and / or swollen?
A red and/or swollen foot can be a sign of infection or of a condition called Charcot Neuroarthropathy, it is important to contact a podiatrist as soon as possible to avoid further damage to your foot.
A break in the skin or any discharge or oozing?
A break in the skin can be an entry point for infection, clean with tap water, cover with a dry dressing and contact the podiatry service.
If you have any of the above and feel unwell with flu-like symptoms or shivering, it is possible that you have spreading infection and you are at increased risk of sepsis. You must seek emergency help immediately via NHS 111, phone 999 or attend A & E.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you need to seek help:
Contact Podiatry: Monday to Friday between 08:30 and 16:30.
If outwith these times then phone NHS 111.
If you are an existing patient, telephone your nearest clinic to arrange an appointment with a Podiatrist.
If you don’t regularly have podiatry treatments then please complete a Request for Assistance Form as soon as possible.
Podiatry Advice Line
If your query is non urgent, you can call our Podiatry Advice Line
Wednesday afternoon 13:30 - 16:00
Thursday morning - 08:30 - 12:00 noon
Contact us on 01383 518635
Resources
- Royal College of Podiatry - Looking after your diabetic foot ulcer
- Royal College of Podiatry - Looking after your foot in remission
- Diabetes UK - Foot problems
- Diabetes UK - Serious foot problems
- Legs matter - Non diabetes foot ulcers
- Legs matter - Diabetes foot ulcers
- Legs matter - How to help my leg or foot get better
- Diabetes in Scotland - Looking after your diabetic foot ulcer
- Peripheral neuropathy
