Diabetic Foot Ulcers

By Dr. Mark Hinkes, DPM

After you've checked vital signs – pulse, respiration, blood pressure and temperature – don't forget what's considered to be the fifth vital sign: PAIN. For patients with diabetes, one of the most challenging health problems is foot pain. Diabetic sensory neuropathy is the most commonly associated reason for foot pain in the patient with diabetes. However, there can be multiple and even overlapping etiologies that should be identified and evaluated before jumping to a conclusion.

By Dr. Mark Hinkes, DPM

Twenty first century technology is helping people with diabetes to heal foot ulcers. An Australian colleague, for example, is developing an application that reminds people with diabetes to control their blood sugars with prompts and instructions, and allows them to upload a picture of their wound for their podiatrist to evaluate.

By Margaret Heale, RN, MSc, CWOCN

I have been living with my daughter for almost a year and helping out at a nursing home where my granddaughter works. I don't remember having this problem last year but my skin is just on fire at times, itchy, itchy, itchy! I found a cream but ran out and couldn't remember what it was called. When I got to the pharmacy and told the lady there that I was in search of a product whose name I thought sounded like 'Narnia' she pointed me in the right direction. Then, to my surprise, she added, "but remember not to go through the wardrobe door or you might get more than you bargained for." We laughed so much I remembered I best go to the feminine hygiene section. I just wanted a slim little pad, you know for the odd cough or sneeze, but—ohhh—what a choice!

By Lydia A Meyers RN, MSN, CWCN

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is a type of therapy that is oxygen done under greater than atmospheric pressure. Treatments are done according to approval by Medicare/Medicaid rules and regulations. At this time HBOT has been approved for the following:

By Christine Shettel, RN, BSN, WCC, DAPWCA, PWRC

Hyperbaric medicine has been used in wound care for over 50 years. As wound care professionals, we are saving patient’s lives, and preserving limbs utilizing Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBO). As health care professionals we understand the indications and benefits of HBO therapy, however, it’s important to follow clinical pathways and your local coverage determinations to ensure that we are placing the clinically appropriate patients in the chambers. It’s also important to understand what clinical documentation is required in order to qualify your patients for treatments to achieve optimal outcomes.

By Aletha Tippett MD

In considering this question as to whether amputation can be palliative, let’s keep clear that these are two separate subjects that sometimes interact. It is key to always keep our goals in mind. What is the goal in palliative care? The goals are to provide comfort, relieve pain, prevent infection, and improve or maintain quality of life. These goals are always to be in concert with the desires and wishes of the individual patient.

By Mary Ellen Posthauer RDN, CD, LD, FAND

Part 3 in a series discussing nutritional status and diabetic foot ulcer risk.
To read Part 1, Click Here
To read Part 2, Click Here

By Mary Ellen Posthauer, RDN, CD, LD, FAND

Part 2 in a series discussing nutritional status and diabetic foot ulcer risk.
To read Part 1,Click Here

By Lydia A Meyers RN, MSN, CWCN

Diabetes is the number one cause of amputation for wound care patients. Individuals with diabetes need monitoring and education about the dangers they face on a daily basis due to their condition. Diabetic ulcers often begin with a simple bump, as a callous or by stepping on something.

By Mary Ellen Posthauer, RDN, CD, LD, FAND

After reading Laurie Swezey's blog, "Diabetic Foot - Risk Factors and Prevention", I decided to weigh in on the issue of poor glycemic control. Teamwork is an essential ingredient since achieving glycemic control is a challenge for all clinicians including the registered dietitian (RD).