The role of the podiatrist in managing the diabetic foot ulcer

Abstract

The podiatrist is a key member of the multidisciplinary healthcare team involved in managing the diabetic foot and its complications. Foot screening and assessment to identify the high-risk foot is aimed at preventing the serious complications of ulceration and amputation. In addition, podiatric management involves individualised foot health education, management of non-ulcerative pathologies and ulcer care. The International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot (IWGDF) Consensus Guidelines is a useful tool to enable podiatrists to perform their multifactorial role in diabetic foot care. In South Africa this role is hampered by a lack of resources in personnel and finance. A national plan for the management of the diabetic foot, based on evidence-based practice is urgently needed to focus scarce podiatric skills on improving diabetic foot care.