Foot ulcers affect as many as 1 in 10 people with diabetes and it is important for people with this condition to understand the potentially severe consequences of leaving a foot ulcer untreated. Even small ulcers on the foot can represent a serious risk because they may heal extremely slowly and need rigorous treatment to cure. Ulcers can also develop into serious lower body infections, with the possibility of amputation at an advanced stage. Therefore, foot screening is the cornerstone of good diabetic foot care. This article explores the role of the community nurse and tissue viability service as part of the multidisciplinary team.
