_edited.jpg)
High Risk Foot Care
We are experienced in managing and treating high risk foot conditions including:
Charcot
Also known as Charcot neuroarthropathy is a condition that affects the bones, joints, and soft tissues of the foot. It is a progressive degenerative condition that is caused by nerve damage in the feet.
Charcot foot typically begins with a minor injury or trauma to the foot such as sprain or fracture that goes unnoticed due to the loss of sensation in the foot. This can lead to abnormal weight distribution and stress on the bones and joints of the foot, which can cause them to break down and become deformed over time.
Symptoms may include:
-
Swelling
-
redness
-
warmth
-
pain
-
instability
-
instability
-
loss of function
Treatment involves:
-
On going monitoring and assessment of the feet to reduce risk of further foot complication.
-
Custom made orthotics and footwear to accommodate your foot structure.
Charcot foot is a serious condition that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment to prevent further damage and complications such as ulcers, infections, and amputation.
Foot Skin Melanoma Check
Also known as malignant melanoma. It is a type of skin cancer that develops in the cells that produce pigment in the skin, known as melanocytes. Melanoma can occur anywhere on the body, but is most commonly found on the areas of skin that are frequently exposed to the sun such as the face, neck, arms, and legs.
Melanoma is a serious form of skin cancer that can spread to other parts of the body if not detected and treated early.
Signs and Symptoms:
Other symptoms include dark areas under nails.
New moles and spots will appear and change during childhood, adolescence and during pregnancy and this is normal. However, adults who develop new spots or moles should have them examined by their doctor.
Foot and Ankle Oedema
Swelling in the ankles, feet and legs can be caused by build up of fluid in these areas known as oedema.
Oedema can be acute (short) or chronic (long).
Types of lower limb oedema:
-
Pitting
-
Non pitting
Causes:
-
Standing or sitting in the same position for too long
-
Eating too much salty food
-
Being overweight
-
Being pregnant
-
Taking certain medicines – such as some blood pressure medicines, contraceptive pills, hormone therapy, antidepressants or steroids
-
An injury – such as a strain or sprain
-
An insect bite or sting
-
Problems with your kidneys, liver or heart
-
A blood clot
-
An infection
Pressure Injury of the Foot
Pressure injuries are areas of damage to the skin and underlying tissue caused by constant pressure and/or friction. The pressure results in reduced blood flow and eventually causes skin breakdown and eventually development of open wound.
Risk factors:
-
Impaired mobility (Bed bound)
-
Impaired sensory perception
-
Impaired activity (Wheelchair bound)
-
Malnutrition or obesity
-
Compromised skin integrity
-
Reduced blood flow to pressure points
-
Increased age
There are stages in classifying pressure injuries.
We provide a thorough assessment and prevention management plans to ensure the skin integrity is intact, healthy and reduce the risk of pressure injuries.
