Podiatrists - Diabetes Specialist (White/Grey uniform) are specialist practitioners who have studied at university plus worked in specialist teams to deliver highly specialist treatments for wounds and ulcers on the lower limbs. They work as a part of the multi-disciplinary team of foot and lower limb circulatory or neuropathic conditions.
Neuropathy is a diabetes complication causing damage to nerves this can be caused by many factors in diabetes the high glucose levels damage the nerve fibres which conduct feelings of hot/cold, soft/sharp, pain, numbness, and weakness. The feelings of pain as stabbing, burning, or tingling are common descriptions from people with this condition.
There are specialist foot clinics for patients with severe foot problems in specialist centres throughout the Health Board. There are community clinics held all over the County for those referred by a healthcare professional for treatments to foot lesions or ulcerations.
Disabled housebound patients can be visited at home and that can be arranged by the Podiatry department if patients meet the criteria for specialist podiatry care.
Routine toenail cutting is not undertaken by the podiatry team who categorise this as social care. Patients are encouraged to make private arrangements if this is or has become a problem.