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.
- Capillary refill
- Pressing the skin and timing how quickly the colour returns.
- Charcot foot
- A condition where the bones of a numb foot weaken and collapse, usually looking hot, swollen and red.
- Claudication
- Cramping pain in the leg brought on by walking and relieved by rest.
- Doppler
- A handheld device that listens to blood flow in the arteries.
- HbA1c
- A blood test showing average blood glucose over the past two to three months.
- Maceration
- Skin that has gone 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.
- Offloading
- Taking pressure off part of the foot so it can heal.
- Probes to bone
- Being able to touch bone through a wound with a probe, which strongly suggests bone infection.
- Protective sensation
- Enough feeling in the foot to notice damage and react to it.
- Red flags
- The specific changes that mean a patient should contact us the same day.