Diabetic Foot – Offloading Active Diabetic Foot Ulcers

This is the first video in a 2-part series on diabetic foot ulceration (DFU). Make sure you also check out Footwear Modification to off-load plantar foot ulcers and prevent re-occurrence.

Appropriate management of diabetic foot ulceration is of global importance. Without appropriate care, DFU can lead to hospitalisation, amputation and death. For many Pacific Island nations, studies have determined that the high prevalence of Diabetic related  foot ulcers and amputations may be associated with the inability to access and deliver effective diabetes prevention and care of related complications.

“Offloading”, which refers to the relief of  high pressure and shear forces from a specific area of the foot, is  one of the most important interventions required to heal a DFU.

By the end of this training video, learners will be able to

1. List the different types of off-loading options and the benefits of each one
2. Demonstrate how to cut a felt pad using common shapes and create a bevelled edge
3. Demonstrate how to safely apply and remove the felt pad from the foot
4. Identify and understand the role of a foot interface device (orthotic)
5. Define the use of removable and non-removable knee-high offloading (TCC) devices.
6. Demonstrate how to safely apply a removable and non-removable knee-high offloading (TCC) devices