Managing a Diabetic Foot Ulcer (DFU) with Limited Pressure Relief: A Multi-Disciplinary Team Approach: Case Study
Abstract
This case presentation aims to underscore the challenges faced in providing adequate pressure relief for a patient with a diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) due to resource limitations. A 49-year-old active diabetic woman, wearing inappropriate footwear, regularly visits the local community clinic for two months. The interdisciplinary team, including nurses, doctors, pharmacists, radiographers, and podiatrists, collaborates on the intervention plan. Wound care is administered every other week, and the patient manages her wound care between visits. Research indicates that neuropathic DFUs on the plantar surface heal effectively with proper offloading using insole/orthoses devices and suitable footwear. However, in disadvantaged communities, patients often cannot afford such pressure relief measures, resorting to inadequate footwear like plastic thong sandals with thin soles, leading to friction and shear pressure between the toes.
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