The podiatry foot protection service is involved in the assessment, treatment and management of foot wounds. Foot wounds may be slow to heal for a number of reasons. The key areas that are focused on are:
- Blood supply to the lower limb
- Pressure at the wound site
- Infection
- Other medical conditions such as diabetes, inflammatory arthritis or renal disease which may make it harder for your body to heal
We aim to help you to improve these factors as much as possible to give your wound the best chance of healing. The podiatry team work closely with a variety of services to offer multidisciplinary care where appropriate. We have strong links with diabetes, vascular, orthopaedic, orthotics, infectious diseases and rheumatology clinics
Rehabilitation while wearing an offloading boot or shoe.
While wearing an offloading boot or shoe, there is a risk that the muscles of the foot and ankle get weaker. There is also a risk to the other foot as you may be overloading it to try and compensate. It is important therefore that you continue to make sure the muscles of the foot and ankle remain strong while wearing and offloading boot or shoe. The leaflet below gives some advice and some gentle exercises for you to try. Ask your podiatrist about them to make sure that are safe for you to do.