Diabetic Foot Problems: Warning Signs Patients Should Not Ignore

Podiatrists and diabetic foot clinics, alongside other healthcare professionals, play an important role in managing and treating foot conditions. However, we often witness how delays in diagnosis, a lack of adequate treatment, or failures in monitoring can result in significant consequences for patients.

Diabetes and The Feet

Diabetes can reduce blood circulation and cause nerve damage, particularly in the lower limbs. This can result in patients:

• Losing sensation in their feet

• Be at greater risk of infection

• Experience slower healing

• Cuts, blisters, or injuries that go unnoticed

Patients should seek prompt medical advice if they identify any of the following symptoms:

• Foot ulcers or open wounds

• Change in skin colour

• Swelling or redness

• Pain when walking

• Cracked skin or dryness

The Importance of Podiatry Care

Regular podiatry appointments can assist in identifying symptoms early before they develop into a more serious condition. A good standard of diabetic foot care may involve:

• Routine foot examinations

• Wound management and treatment

• Advice on footwear

• Referral for further specialist treatment, when required

It is expected for all healthcare professionals to maintain an appropriate standard of care, ensuring that all patients are thoroughly monitored, informed of risks, and referred to a specialist where suitable.

Can Poor Care Amount to Negligence?

We often see diabetic foot conditions worsening because warning signs were missed or treatment was delayed. For example, a podiatrist may fail to diagnose an infection, provide inadequate wound care, or delay a referral to a specialist. It is not uncommon for such failures to lead to life-changing consequences for patients who require further treatment or even an amputation.

It may not always be clear who has been negligent when there are multiple disciplinary teams involved.  We have issued proceedings previously in cases where there has been an overlap in care between care services and district nurses, GP’s, and vascular surgeon.  Once managed by a Multidisciplinary Team at Hospital, it is not unusual to see involvement from;

• A diabetologist.

• A high-risk podiatrist.

• A vascular surgeon.

• A foot surgeon.

• A microbiologist.

Careful investigation may be required to determine the negligent party or parties and capture all of the problems.

Professional Standards and Patient Safety

For cases concerning the conduct or competence of healthcare professionals, the Health and Care Professions Tribunal Service (HCPTS) play a vital regulatory role.

The HCPTS is the independent hearings service which regulates a range of healthcare professions in the UK, including podiatrists. The hearings will consider allegations towards a professional’s fitness to practise and whether further action is required to protect the public.

The tribunal can impose sanctions where necessary, including suspension or conditions of practice. For example, a recent HCPTS hearing involving Mr Adam Biles concerned the regulation of the podiatry professional and imposed conditions for future work involving diabetic foot.

How Forbes Solicitors Can Help You

At Forbes Solicitors, our expert Clinical Negligence team can discuss if you or a loved one has experienced complications arising from delayed diagnosis, poor diabetic foot treatment, failures in podiatry care, or concerns regarding professional standards. We provide support and offer consultations via telephone, video call, or in any of our offices.