1. Foot Care for People with Diabetes Mellitus
Linda Laakso B.Sc.C.O.(c)
Custom Orthotic Design Group Ltd./The Orthotic Centre

2. 85% of all lower
extremity
amputations are
preceded by a
diabetic foot
ulcer (DFU)
(Orstead et al., 2006)

3. How can we protect and keep our feet?
Know causes of foot problems
- Sensory neuropathy
- Autonomic neuropathy
- Motor neuropathy
What can you do?
- Screen
- Protect

4. Sensory Neuropathy causes
Loss of feeling
- The nerves that allow you
to feel are damaged very
slowly
- Leads to Loss of
Protective Sensation (LOPS)
You can’t feel

5. Sensory Neuropathy causes
Loss of Proprioception
Sense of where your body parts are
You can develop poor balance

6. Autonomic Neuropathy causes
Dry Skin
- The nerves to the sweat glands are damaged
- Leads to loss of natural moisturizers
Dry, cracked skin

7. Motor Neuropathy causes
Weak Muscles
The nerves that go to the muscles are damaged
muscle weakness
drop foot
deformity
high pressure areas

8. Potential Effects:
- Loss of protective sensation
- Poor balance
- Dry skin
- Muscle weakness
- Foot deformity

9. What can you do?
Loss of protective sensation
Screen:
 Inspect your feet several times a day
 Inspect your shoes before putting them on
Protect:
 Don’t go barefoot -> always wear shoes

10. What can you do?
Poor balance
Protect:
 Choose stable shoes
Click for more about shoes & comfort footwear
 Use a cane or a walker

11. What can you do?
Dry skin
Protect:
 Moisturize
(but not between the toes!)

12. What can you do?
Muscle weakness
Screen:
 Talk to your doctor…
 A brace may help
Click for more about an ankle brace

13. What can you do?
Foot deformity
Protect:
 Take the pressure away
 Foot orthoses (orthotics)
Click for more about foot orthoses
 Orthopaedic shoes

14. Complication Potential Effect What you can do
Sensory Neuropathy Loss of feeling - Check your feet
everyday
- Check inside of your
shoes before putting
them on
- Wear shoes all of the time
Sensory Neuropathy Poor balance - Choose stable shoes
- Use a cane or walker
Autonomic Neuropathy Dry feet - Moisturize
Motor Neuropathy Muscle weakness - Use a cane or walker
- Use a brace
Motor Neuropathy Foot deformity - Use foot orthoses
- Proper shoes

15. Who Can Help?
- Doctor
- Nurse
- Chiropodist
- Certified Orthotist

16. Contact us for a FREE Initial Assessment!
Click for
More Information on Diabetes Mellitus
or Diabetic Foot Care Tips
or
to book an Appointment

17. Thank You!
Contact Information:
Linda Laakso B.Sc.C.O.(c)
Custom Orthotic Design Group Ltd. and The Orthotic Centre
Head Office: Toll free 1-866-829-2969
Mississauga: (905) 828-2969
Guelph: (519) 826-9890
Hamilton: (905) 540-9600
Oshawa: (905) 725-3523
for a copy of this presentation, please email Linda Laakso <lindalaakso at customorthotic.ca>