People living with diabetes are often told, “take care of your feet!” But other than worrying, they don’t know what to do, how to do it or when to do it. So they either obsess unnecessarily, or live in denial. To take the worry and mystery out of your feet, involve you in your own care and to reduce the number of adverse foot complications due to diabetes, we use a research validated assessment tool that identifies your risk for ulceration – the primary cause of lower extremity amputation in diabetes.
Inlow’s 60-second Diabetic Foot Screen is endorsed by Wounds Canada (www.woundscanada.ca/health-care-professional/resources-health-care-pros/foot-screen), has been validated by research. Assessment of key areas (Circulation, Structural, Sensation, Skin and Footwear) allow for the identification of risk factors, development of plans to minimise or eliminate those risks, and for us to discuss your education needs and provide care recommendations and support. Your “score” on the foot screen also indicates the recommended frequency of screening based on your level of risk so that you are regularly monitored and do not slip between the cracks and get overlooked.
If you are living with diabetes would like to reduce the worry by increasing the expert monitoring before the development of lower extremity complications, consider making a referral for a foot screen – even to establish a baseline after initial diagnosis. It’s a small amount of time for a great return in physical and mental comfort.