CHEMOTHERAPY & WOUND CARE
Chemotherapy & Wound Care Services
Tiptoe Podiatry Clinic are proud to specialise in Chemotherapy effects on the feet and Wound Care. As we all know, when it comes to tissue viability and wound care on the foot, podiatrists are always on the front line. When there is a wound, infection or problem with a foot ulcer, a podiatrist has the specialist knowledge to treat it. Therefore, it is important to find and trust the right podiatry team to provide the appropriate care for your patients.
Our services are available to all patients, whether they be an inpatient of a local hospital, a housebound patient, or an outpatient of a department such as Oncology, Vascular, Rheumatology or Diabetes.
Our Wound Care Podiatry Team delivers Evidence Based wound care to all patients referred to us and follows the NICE clinical guidelines on the prevention and management of the foot.
We provide podiatry treatments for:- Diabetic ulcers;
- Ischemic/Arterial/ Venous ulcers;
- Pressure ulcers;
- Surgical wounds;
- Chemotherapy induced wounds such as infected/ingrown toenails, fissuring, painful neuropathy, painful skin lesions.
- Dermatology concerns.
The clinic sees a lot of oncology patients to whom we provide specific tried and tested preventive and acute treatments. We also provide them with advise and a treatment plan on how to maintain healthy feet during their courses of treatment. Some patients may only require one off treatments for their condition.
Our Wound Care Service places a large emphasis on wound prevention and patient education. An ulcer prevention program is an important part of the care we give particular for those starting on strong doses of chemotherapy. Our services include routine foot care to all our ulcer patients, but are not limited to any of the following:
- trimming, cutting, clipping or debriding of nails;
- paring, trimming or removal of corns and calluses.
Our wound care service offers early management and identification of risk factors for ulcers and amputations. We have found that this is a key way to prevent or delay the onset of ulceration. Early management includes education to increase the patient’s knowledge of foot care, through hygiene awareness; regular monitoring and examination of the feet; and ensuring that protective footwear is worn.
In addition, all of our patients annually receive a comprehensive foot examination and a visual inspection of the patient’s feet is conducted at each visit.
The examination includes:
- assessment of protective sensation;
- foot structure and biomechanics;
- vascular status and skin integrity.
Individuals at high risk are evaluated more frequently. An evaluation report of the patient’s neurological and vascular status is sent to the patient’s General Practitioner.
How to refer?
Patients can be referred via their doctor, nurse or they can refer themselves.