Detection, management, and prevention of diabetes-related foot disease in the Australian context

Figure 1 The combination of mechanical stress and a loss of protective sensation from peripheral neuropathy leads to tissue damage, callus formation, and subcutaneous haemorrhage, precipitating ulceration in the neuropathic foot. A: Foot deformity with ulceration at the plantar forefoot; B: Foot deformity with healed ulceration at the plantar forefoot, a high-risk for ulcer recurrence.

Figure 2 Total contact cast. A total contact cast is an irremovable knee-high device that is suitable for some people for offloading treatment of diabetes-related foot disease. It is applied by a skilled clinician and changed every 3-14 d, depending on the foot and ulcer conditions.