Plain-English explanations of the technical terms and legislation used in this document.
- ABPI
- A comparison of the blood pressure at the ankle with that in the arm, used to check the blood supply to the leg.
- Callus
- Hard, thickened skin caused by pressure. On a numb foot it is a warning sign, not just hard skin.
- Charcot foot
- A condition where the bones of a numb foot weaken and collapse. It usually looks like a hot, swollen, red foot.
- Claudication
- Cramping pain in the leg on walking, caused by narrowed arteries.
- Gangrene
- Tissue that has died, usually because its blood supply has been cut off.
- HbA1c
- A blood test showing average blood glucose over the past two to three months.
- Ischaemia
- Not enough blood reaching the tissue.
- Maceration
- Skin that has become soft and white from being damp, often between the toes.
- Monofilament
- A small nylon filament pressed against the foot to test whether the patient can feel it.
- Multidisciplinary foot service
- A specialist team, usually in hospital, that treats serious diabetic foot problems.
- Neuropathy
- Nerve damage that reduces feeling in the feet, so injuries are not felt.
- Offloading
- Taking pressure off part of the foot, using special footwear, a cast or a boot, so it can heal.
- Osteomyelitis
- Infection that has reached the bone.
- Peripheral arterial disease
- Narrowing of the arteries supplying the legs and feet.