Podiatry
Podiatry focuses on preventing, diagnosing and treating conditions associated with the foot and ankle
The Diabetes Podiatry service at CUH is a specialist tertiary referral centre provided to people suffering from diabetes-related foot complications. Diabetes can affect the lower limb in a number of ways, such as peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage) and peripheral vascular disease (including narrowing or blockage of blood vessels to the lower limb). These complications increase a patient’s risk of developing Charcot’s arthropathy or ulcers.
Ulcers are susceptible to infection, which may lead to foot sepsis, gangrene and, in some cases, amputation.
Charcot arthropathy can result in significant deformity of the foot which may lead to problems wearing normal footwear. It may also prevent the patient from walking normally. In some cases the deformities may contribute to the development of ulcers. There is also a risk of amputation associated with Charcot arthropathy.
Studies have shown that amputation rates for patients with diabetes are between 15 to 40 times higher than that of the non-diabetic population. Audits carried out at CUH and international studies have indicated that the provision of a specialist diabetes podiatry service reduces the rate of amputations and hospital admissions among patients with diabetes.
Services Provided
The Diabetic Foot Clinic/Podiatry Department provides care specifically for patients with active diabetic foot disease. Patients are assessed for peripheral neuropathy and peripheral vascular disease. Treatments include advanced wound care and therapies and various casting techniques.
Please note: There is no podiatry service currently available within CUH to provide care to patients with foot pathologies who do not have diabetes, or to provide general routine foot-care.
Access to Services
The Diabetic Foot Clinic accepts acute referrals directly from GPs, public health nurses, practice nurses and community podiatrists. Patients must be registered with the endocrinology department at CUH in order to access the service.
Contact Us
The Diabetic Foot Clinic at Cork University Hospital may be contacted on 021 4922658.
Patient Information video
The following video provides tips on how to look after your feet, if you have been diagnosed with diabetes.
Patient Information booklets
If you have a diagnosis of diabetes and your healthcare professional has advised you that you have a low risk of developing serious foot problems, you may find the following information leaflet useful:
If you have a diagnosis of diabetes and your healthcare professional has advised you that you are at risk of developing serious diabetes-related foot problems, you may find the following information leaflet useful:
If you have a diagnosis of diabetes and your healthcare professional has advised you that you have a high risk of developing serious diabetes-associated foot problems, you may find the following information leaflet useful: