Preventing falls and amputation prevention april 2013
This document discusses ways to prevent falls and foot wounds for those with diabetes. It notes that falls are the leading cause of injury deaths among older adults, with hip fractures being most common. Risk factors for falls include neuropathy, ankle instability, weakness, vision problems, foot deformities, environmental hazards, and certain medications. It recommends developing a fall risk plan that includes assistive devices, therapy, medical care, and podiatric evaluation. The document also outlines 3.5 ways to prevent foot wounds: examining feet daily, wearing proper shoes, trimming calluses professionally, and taking responsibility through self-education and regular medical checks. Four major reasons wounds don't heal fast are listed as high blood sugar, poor circulation, neuropathy, and
Preventing falls and amputation prevention april 2013
- 1. Preventing Falls and Foot Wounds in Diabetes Don Pelto, DPM Central Massachusetts Podiatry, PC Worcester, Massachusetts To Learn More Visit www.DrPelto.com Diabetes Toolkit Preventing Falls
- 3. Part 1: Preventing Falls What is the leading cause of injury deaths among older adults?
- 4. What is injured in a fall? Hip Head Bones
- 5. Where do falls occur? Inside the house (55%) Bedrooms (30%) Living Rooms (31%) Kitchens (19%) Bathrooms (13%) Hallways (10%) Outside but near the house (23%)
- 6. Risk Factors You May Have Neuropathy lack of feeling in foot Ankle Instability weakness in the ankle Weakness in muscles in thigh and legs
- 7. Vision Problems macular degeneration, poor sight, glaucoma Foot Deformities bunion, hammertoe, painful feet
- 8. Risk Factors Around You Environmental Hazards water, ice, rug Obstacles items on floor
- 9. Medications with side effects high blood pressure, seizure, diabetes, emotional problems, pain Improper shoegear and long clothing
- 11. Fall Risk Plan Assistive Devices Physical/Occupational Therapy Primary Care Podiatric Evaluation
- 12. Moore Balance Brace Easy to put on Light weight Aid in foot clearance Custom made to maximize somatosensory feedback Eliminates abnormal motion
- 13. Questions to ask Have you fallen in the past? Do you often slip, trip or have near falls? Do you have a fear of falling? Do you drag your feet when walking? Do you have to touch or hold on to the wall or furniture while walking?
- 14. Part 2: Preventing Diabetic Foot Problems
- 15. Why Should I Listen? 1-4% of people with diabetes get ulcers (sores, wounds) every year and 15-25% will get one in their lifetime 15% of ulcers lead to amputation 85% of amputations start as ulcers
- 16. Patient Story
- 17. 3.5 Ways To Prevent A Foot Wound
- 18. 3.5 Ways To Prevent A Foot Wound 1. Examine your feet daily
- 19. 3.5 Ways To Prevent A Foot Wound 1. Examine your feet daily 2. Wear correct size shoes or diabetic shoes
- 20. 3.5 Ways To Prevent A Foot Wound 1. Examine your feet daily 2. Wear correct size shoes or diabetic shoes 3. Have a professional trim your calluses
- 21. 3.5 Ways To Prevent A Foot Wound 3.5. Take responsibility and learn more Have yearly foot exam Have doctor look at feet every visit Diabetes Toolkit
- 22. 4 Major Reasons Foot Wounds Dont Heal Fast
- 23. 1. Blood Sugar Hemoglobin A1C
- 24. 2. Poor Circulation - PAD
- 25. 3. Neuropathy
- 26. 4. Infection
- 28. To Learn More Visit www.DrPelto.com Diabetes Toolkit Preventing Falls Donald Pelto, DPM don@worcesterfootcare.com (508) 757-4003