Diabetes and High Risk Foot Service

We provide assessment, diagnosis and treatment for predominantly high risk and diabetic patients who meet the criteria for our service and other high risk foot pathologies who are vulnerable, as well as for children and young people under 18 years of age.

Overview
Available Locations
How do I register for this service?
Contact us
Professionals

Type

Adult Services - Diabetes and High Risk Foot Service

We are a team of highly skilled podiatrists who work closely with specialists in rheumatology, diabetes and vascular surgery.

We provide assessment, diagnosis and treatment for predominantly high risk and diabetic patients who meet the criteria for our service. We also support others with high risk foot conditions, who are vulnerable, as well as children and young people under 18 years of age. We offer advice on ways that people can manage their own foot care, choose footwear and information on other support available.

Who is this service for? Patients with diabetes and other high risk foot conditions who are vulnerable, as well as for children and young people under 18 years of age.

In this video, Lilian, Senior Podiatrist shares easy ways you can keep your feet clean, protected and healthy to help avoid serious complications developing:

Do you have an urgent foot problem?

How do I register for this service?

If you would like to register for this service please complete our online registration form.

Complete the registration form

Once submitted, your form will then be assessed by a podiatrist and you will be contacted by the Patient Contact Centre with the outcome in due course.

For help and advice with the diabetes and high risk foot service please visit your GP.

For information on registering yourself email
northants.pcc@nhs.net or phone 0330 555 6789.

Contact us

Battle House
Northampton General Hospital Northampton
Billing Road
Northampton
NN1 5BD

Telephone: 01604 545422

Mon - Fri: 8.45 - 17.15

Professionals

Urgent Acute Diabetic Foot referrals present with one or more of the following…

Ulcer, PRE Ulcer OR Puncture wound with OR without infection
Signs of infection, discolouration, bleeding, discharge or blistering
Critical limb ischaemia
Gangrene
Charcot foot – unexplained heat, redness or swelling

In these instances ALL referral forms should be e-mailed to either..

urgentdiabeticfootnorth@nhft.nhs.uk for patients in the north of the county (Kettering, Corby, Wellingborough, Rushden, etc.)
urgentdiabeticfootsouth@nhft.nhs.uk for the south of the county (Northampton central and surrounding areas, Daventry, Towcester, Brackley, etc.)

For all other referrals please e-mail the referral form to…

PatientContactCentre@nhft.nhs.uk

Register for the Diabetes and High-Risk Foot Service

If you would like to register for this service please complete our online registration form.

Complete the registration form

Once submitted, your form will then be assessed by a podiatrist and you will be contacted by the Patient Contact Centre with the outcome in due course.

For help and advice with the diabetes and high risk foot service please visit your GP.

For information on registering yourself email northants.pcc@nhs.net or phone 0330 555 6789.
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Hot Foot Service: do you have a serious diabetic foot problem?
If you have diabetes, looking after your feet is extremely important.

Most problems can be treated successfully if they are found early, but some foot problems need urgent medical attention.

Check your feet every day and get medical help straight away if you notice:

A foot that suddenly becomes red, warm or swollen

A change in foot shape

A cut or break in the skin, blister or wound that isn't healing

Signs of infection (redness, swelling, oozing, discharge or a bad smell)

Skin colour changes (very pale, blue, dark or patchy areas)

Severe pain, or a foot that suddenly becomes cold or numb

These can be warning signs of a serious diabetic foot problem, such as infection, poor blood flow, or a condition called Charcot foot. These issues need urgent specialist care.

Where can I get help?

Contact your GP, podiatrist or diabetic foot team straight away if you notice a wound, redness, swelling, a hot foot, or any signs of infection. Getting help quickly can prevent more serious complications.

Hot Foot Service

Our Hot Foot Service is an urgent foot care service for people with diabetes who develop sudden or serious foot problems.

Contact details:

North of the county:
Diabetes Centre
Kettering General Hospital
Rothwell Road
Kettering
NN16 8UZ

Telephone: 01536 492207

West of the county:
Battle House
Northampton General Hospital
Billing Road
Northampton
NN1 5BD

Telephone: 01604 545422

Available Monday to Friday, 8.45am - 5.15pm

If your foot becomes painful, rapidly swollen or you feel unwell go to your nearest Accident and Emergency (A&E) department.

In this video, Becki, NHFT Senior Podiatrist, at explains the warning signs and why acting quickly matters. David also shares his experience of being admitted to hospital after delaying treatment.
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Diabetic foot advice
Your podiatrist will have let you know whether you are low risk, moderate risk or at high risk of foot ulcers.

In this video, Jacqui, Specialist Podiatrist, explains how the service supports people with diabetes, and David, a type 2 diabetic, shares his experience and why getting your feet checked early matters.

The information and advice below can help you take care of your feet between visits to your podiatrist and it will hopefully help prevent problems in the future.

Do you have an urgent foot problem?
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- Low risk diabetic foot advice
  
  Diabetes is a lifelong condition which can cause foot problems. Some of these problems can occur because the nerves and blood vessels supplying your feet are damaged.
  
  This can affect:
  
  the feeling in your feet (peripheral neuropathy);
  
  and the circulation in your feet (ischaemia)
  
  These changes can be very gradual and you may not notice them. This is why it is essential you receive a foot screening by a suitably trained health professional at your GP practice every year. You can then agree on a treatment plan which suits your needs.
  
  Your foot screening may have shown that you do not have nerve or blood vessel damage at present and so you are currently at low risk of developing foot complications because of your diabetes.
  
  Controlling your diabetes, cholesterol and blood pressure, and having your feet screened every year by a suitably-trained professional, will help to reduce the risk of developing problems with your feet.
  
  If you smoke, you are strongly advised to stop.
  
  If your feet are in good condition, you may not need regular podiatry treatment.
  
  Do you have an urgent foot problem?
  
  Back up
  
  Advice for keeping your feet healthy
  
  Check your feet every day
  You should check your feet every day for any blisters, breaks in the skin, pain or any signs of infection such as swelling, heat or redness.
  
  Wash your feet every day
  You should wash your feet every day in warm water and with a mild soap. Rinse them thoroughly and dry them carefully, especially between the toes. Do not soak your feet as this can damage your skin.
  
  Moisturise your feet every day
  If your skin is dry, apply a moisturising cream every day, avoiding the areas between your toes.
  
  Toenails
  Cut or file your toenails regularly, following the curve of the end of your toe. Use a nail file to make sure that there are no sharp edges which could press into the next toe. Do not cut down the sides of your nails as you may create a 'spike' of nail which could result in an ingrown toenail.
  
  Socks, stockings and tights
  You should change your socks, stocking or tights every day. They should not have bulky seams and the tops should not be elasticated.
  
  Avoid walking barefoot
  If you walk barefoot you risk injuring your feet by stubbing your toes and standing on sharp objects which can damage the skin.
  
  Check your shoes
  Check the bottom of your shoes before putting them on to make sure that nothing sharp such as a pin, nail or glass has pierced the outer sole. Also, run your hand inside each shoe to check that no small objects such as small stones have fallen in.
  
  Badly-fitting shoes
  Badly-fitting shoes are a common cause of irritation or damage to feet. The professional who screened your feet may give you advice about the shoes you are wearing and about buying new shoes.
  
  Minor cuts and blisters
  If you check your feet and discover any breaks in the skin, minor cuts or blisters, you should cover them with a sterile dressing and check them every day. Do not burst blisters. If the problems do not heal within a few days, or if you notice any signs of infection (swelling, heat, redness or pain), contact your podiatry department or GP (their contact numbers are over the page).
  
  Over the counter medicines
  Do not use over-the-counter corn remedies. They are not recommended for anyone with diabetes as they can cause damage to the skin that can create problems.
  
  If you discover any problems with your feet, contact your local podiatry department or GP for advice.
  
  Spotting a foot attack
  
  Is your foot red, warm or swollen? Is there a break in the skin or any discharge (or oozing) on to your socks or stockings? Do you feel unwell?
  You may not have pain even with a visible wound.
  
  If the answer is yes - contact your GP, Podiatrist or Nurse immediately (or a member of the Foot Protection Service).
  
  If you are unable to get through, go to your nearest out of hours healthcare service or your A&E department.
  Back up
- Moderate risk diabetic foot advice
  
  Diabetes is a lifelong condition which can cause foot problems. Some of these problems can occur because the nerves and blood vessels supplying your feet are damaged.
  
  This can affect:
  
  the feeling in your feet (peripheral neuropathy); and
  
  the circulation in your feet (ischaemia)
  
  These changes can be very gradual and you may not notice them. This is why it is essential you receive a foot screening and assessment from a podiatrist every year. You can then agree a treatment plan to suit your needs.
  
  If your screening and assessment have shown that there is a moderate (increased) risk that you will develop foot ulcers. Your podiatrist will tick which of the following risk factors you have.
  
  You have lost some feeling in your feet.
  
  The circulation in your feet is reduced.
  
  Hard skin / skin changes on your feet.
  
  The shape of your foot has changed.
  
  Your vision is impaired.
  
  You cannot look after your feet yourself.
  
  If you smoke, you are strongly advised to stop. Smoking affects your circulation and can lead to amputation.
  
  Controlling your diabetes, cholesterol and blood pressure, and having your feet assessed every year by a podiatrist will help to reduce the risk of developing problems with your feet.
  
  If your feet are at moderate risk of developing ulcers, you will need to take extra care of them. You may need treatment by a podiatrist or podiatry assistant.
  
  Do you have an urgent foot problem?
  
  Back up
  
  Advice for keeping your feet healthy
  
  Check your feet every day
  You should check your feet every day for any blisters, breaks in the skin, pain or any signs of infection such as swelling, heat or redness. If you cannot do this yourself, ask your partner or carer to help you.
  
  Wash your feet every day
  You should wash your feet every day in warm water and with a mild soap. Rinse them thoroughly and dry them carefully, especially between the toes. Do not soak your feet as this can damage your skin.
  Because of your diabetes, you may not be able to feel hot and cold very well. You should test the temperature of the water with your elbow, or ask someone else to test the temperature for you.
  
  Moisturise your feet every day
  If your skin is dry, apply a moisturising cream every day, avoiding the areas between your toes.
  
  Toenails
  Cut or file your toenails regularly, following the curve of the end of your toe. Use a nail file to make sure that there are no sharp edges which could press into the next toe. Do not cut down the sides of your nails as you may create a 'spike' of nail which could result in an ingrowing toenail.
  
  Socks, stockings and tights
  You should change your socks, stockings or tights every day. They should not have bulky seams and the tops should not be elasticated.
  
  Check your shoes
  Check the bottom of your shoes before putting them on to make sure that nothing sharp such as a pin, nail or glass has pierced the outer sole. Also, run your hand inside each shoe to check that no small objects such as small stones have fallen in.
  
  Badly-fitting shoes
  Badly-fitting shoes are a common cause of irritation or damage to feet. The podiatrist who assessed your feet may give you advice about the shoes you are wearing and about buying new shoes. They may suggest that you are measured for special shoes you can get on prescription.
  
  Avoid walking barefoot
  If you walk barefoot you risk injuring your feet by stubbing your toes and standing on sharp objects which can damage the skin.
  
  Minor cuts and blisters
  If you check your feet and discover any breaks in the skin, minor cuts or blisters; cover them with a sterile dressing. Do not burst blisters. If after one day there is no sign of healing contact your podiatry department or GP immediately (their contact numbers are over the page). If unavailable go to your local accident and emergency department.
  
  Hard skin and corns
  Do not attempt to remove hard skin or corns yourself. Your podiatrist will provide treatment and advice where necessary.
  
  Over-the-counter corn remedies
  Never use over-the-counter corn remedies. They are not recommended for anyone with diabetes as they can damage the skin and create foot ulcers.
  
  Avoid high or low temperatures
  If your feet are cold, wear socks. Never sit with your feet in front of the fire to warm them up. Always remove hot water bottles and turn off electric blanket before getting into bed.
  
  Spotting a foot attack
  
  Is your foot red, warm or swollen? Is there a break in the skin or any discharge (or oozing) on to your socks or stockings? Do you feel unwell?
  You may not have pain even with a visible wound.
  
  If the answer is yes - contact your GP, Podiatrist or Nurse immediately (or a member of the Foot Protection Service).
  
  If you are unable to get through, go to your nearest out of hours healthcare service or your A&E department.
  
  Useful links
  
  Some useful links where you can find more advice:
  
  Diabetes and Feet - Diabetes.org
  
  NHS.uk
  
  Back up
- High risk diabetic foot advice
  
  Diabetes is a lifelong condition which can cause foot problems. Some of these problems can occur because the nerves and blood vessels supplying your feet are damaged. This can affect:
  
  the feeling in your feet (peripheral neuropathy); and
  
  the circulation in your feet (ischaemia)
  
  These changes can be very gradual and you may not notice them. This is why it is essential that every year you have your feet screened and assessed by a podiatrist. You can then agree a treatment plan to suit your needs.
  
  Your screening and assessment may have shown that there is a high risk that you will develop foot ulcers. Your podiatrist will tick which of the following risk factors you have.
  
  You have lost some feeling in your feet
  
  The circulation in your feet is reduced
  
  You have hard skin on your feet
  
  The shape of your feet has changed
  
  Your vision is impaired
  
  You cannot look after your feet yourself
  
  You have had ulcers before
  
  You have had an amputation
  
  Keeping good control of your diabetes, cholesterol and blood pressure will help to control these problems.
  
  If you smoke, you are strongly advised to stop. Smoking affects your circulation and can lead to amputation.
  If your feet are at high risk, you will need to take extra care of them. You will need regular treatment by a podiatrist.
  
  Do you have an urgent foot problem?
  Back up
  
  Advice for keeping your feet healthy
  
  Check your feet every day
  You should check your feet every day for any blisters, breaks in the skin, pain or any signs of infection such as swelling, heat or redness. If you cannot do this yourself, ask your partner or carer to help you.
  
  Wash your feet every day
  You should wash your feet every day in warm water and with a mild soap. Rinse your feet thoroughly and dry them carefully, especially between the toes. Do not soak your feet as this may damage your skin. Because of your diabetes, you may not be able to feel hot or cold very well. You should test the temperature of the water with your elbow, or ask someone else to test the temperature for you.
  
  Moisturise your feet every day
  If your skin is dry, apply a moisturising cream every day, avoiding the areas between your toes.
  
  Toenails
  Do not cut your toenails unless your podiatrist advises you to.
  
  Socks,, stockings and tights
  You should change your socks, stockings or tights every day. They should not have bulky seams and the tops should not be elasticated.
  
  Avoid walking barefoot
  If you walk barefoot you risk injuring your feet by stubbing your toes and standing on sharp objects which can damage the skin.
  
  Check your shoes
  Check the bottom of your shoes before you put them on to make sure that nothing sharp such as a pin, nail or glass has pierced the outer sole. Also run your hand inside each shoe to check that no small objects such as small stones have fallen in.
  
  Badly fitting shoes
  Badly-fitting shoes are a common cause of irritation or damage to feet. The podiatrist who assessed your feet may give you advice about the shoes you already own and on buying new shoes. They may suggest that you are measured for special shoes to get on prescription.
  
  Prescription shoes
  
  If you have been supplied with shoes, they will have been made to a prescription. You should follow the instructions your podiatrist or orthotist (the person who makes the shoes) gives you. These should be the only shoes you wear. Shoes will normally be prescribed with insoles.
  These are an important part of your shoes and you should only remove them if your orthotist or podiatrist advises you to. Whoever provided your shoes will carry out all repairs or alterations to make sure that they will match your prescription.
  
  Minors cutes and blisters
  If you check your feet and discover any breaks in the skin, minor cuts or blisters, cover the area with a sterile dressing. Do not burst blisters. Contact your podiatry department or GP immediately (contact numbers are over the page). If these people are not available and there is no sign of healing after one day, go to your local accident and emergency department.
  
  Hard skin and corns
  Do not attempt to remove hard skin or corns yourself. Your podiatrist will provide treatment and advice where necessary.
  
  Over-the-counter corn remedies
  
  Do not use over-the-counter corn remedies.They are not recommended for anyone with diabetes as they can damage the skin and create ulcers.
  
  Avoid high or low temperatures
  If your feet are cold, wear socks. Never sit with your feet in front of the fire to warm them up. Always remove hot water bottles or heating pads from your bed before getting in.
  
  Have you had an ulcer before?
  If you have had an ulcer before, or an amputation, you are at high risk of developing more ulcers. If you look after your feet carefully, with the help of a podiatrist, you will reduce the risk of more problems.
  
  Spotting a foot attack
  
  Is your foot red, warm or swollen? Is there a break in the skin or any discharge (or oozing) on to your socks or stockings? Do you feel unwell?
  You may not have pain even with a visible wound.
  
  If the answer is yes - contact your GP, Podiatrist or Nurse immediately (or a member of the Foot Protection Service).
  
  If you are unable to get through, go to your nearest out of hours healthcare service or your A&E department.
  Back up
Choosing the right footwear
The shoes you choose can protect your feet - or put them at risk.

If you have diabetes or a high risk foot condition choosing the right footwear is one of the most important ways to protect your feet.

Diabetes can reduce feeling in your foot and blood flow in your feet, so you may not feel rubbing, pressure, or small injuries. Because of this, the shoes you wear play a big role in preventing sores, blisters, infections, and more serious foot problems.

Good footwear should fit well, support your feet and avoid pressure points.

In this video, Andrea, Specialist Footwear Podiatrist, gives practical advice on:

Choosing the right shoes

What safety checks to make

Which types of footwear to avoid
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What is neuropathy? How to protect your feet in the summer and winter
Many people with diabetes develop a condition called neuropathy. This means the nerves - usually in the feet and lower legs - don't work as well as they should.

You might notice:

Tingling or pins and needles

Burning or sharp pains

Numbness

Feet that feel numb or different to normal.

Some people don't feel any symptoms at all, which is why daily foot checks are so important.

Reduced feeling means your feet may not warn you when something is wrong. Look out for

Redness

Swelling

Blisters

Cracks

Broken skin

Colour changes or discharge.

Use a mirror or ask for help if you can't see the soles of your feet to check properly.

In this video, Dan, NHFT Senior Podiatrist explains neuropathy, what to look for, and how to protect your feet in the summer and winter.

Do you have an urgent foot problem?
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Diabetes and High Risk Foot Service

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Community healthcare services - adults

Community healthcare services - adults