Diabetic Foot Screening Guide
By Keisha Smith, MA, CWCMS
July 29, 2016
Five clinical tests for diagnosing loss of protective sensation in the diabetic foot, plus tips on inflammation assessment. How serious are diabetic foot ulcers? The statistics are sobering: It is estimated that between 10 and 25% of patients with diabetes will develop a foot ulcer in their lifetime. Diabetic foot ulcers precede 84% of all lower […]
Diabetic Wound Care: Monofilament Testing
By Keisha Smith, MA, CWCMS
March 11, 2016
Key Takeaways Detecting neuropathy in diabetic patients is crucial to prevent foot injuries and ulcerations. The Semmes Weinstein 10g Monofilament Test is a recommended method for assessing protective sensation in diabetic feet, as endorsed by the American Diabetes Association. Regular screening and testing, along with patient education, are essential for early detection and management of […]
Dry Skin Alert: Foot Xerosis in Diabetic Patients
By Keisha Smith, MA, CWCMS
January 14, 2016
Diabetic wound management requires awareness, including knowing the signs and progression of xerosis – an abnormal dryness of skin. Patients with diabetes are prone to dry skin, particularly when blood glucose levels are running high. And as a clinician, one of the most common types of skin conditions you will see in your diabetic patients […]
Urgent! Risks and Diagnosis of Diabetic Foot Infections
By Keisha Smith, MA, CWCMS
January 8, 2016
For effective diabetic wound management, clinicians must know the risk factors for foot infections, and be able to diagnose them properly – and as soon as possible. Wound care clinicians deal with foot infections all the time, but when the patient is also diabetic, an infection can progress rapidly to a critical state. In fact, […]
Trimming Those Tricky Diabetic Toenails
By WCEI Content Team
March 7, 2013
You are getting ready to trim your diabetic patients toenails. What exactly does that all involve? Well, first you need the proper tools for diabetic toenails. A set of toenail nippers, nail file, and orange stick are typically used. Always follow your facility or healthcare’s settings policy for infection control. Single use disposable equipment is […]