Podiatry of Diabetic ClientsLaajuus (3 ECTS)

Objective

Students are familiar with the Development Programme for the Prevention and Care of Diabetes (DEHKO) and its objectives and participate in the Stadia-DEHKO project. Students are familiar with problems and complications caused by diabetes, taking these into account in connection with podiatry. Students are familiar with the contents of the basic examination of a diabetic client’s feet and know how to perform this examination. Students recognise a diabetic foot at risk, so as to be able to examine such feet and counsel clients in prevention of foot problems and in care arrangements. Students are familiar with the key therapeutic principles of diabetic clients’ foot problems and, where necessary, prepare foot orthoses and guide clients to acquire custom-made footwear. Students are familiar with the principles of treating diabetic foot ulcers, applying such therapy during their work placement periods and participating in acquisition of therapeutic shoes as required. Students familiarise themselves with the activities of the Finnish Diabetes Association and local associations and, where necessary, place their own expertise at their disposal. Students are aware of the foot working group and its activities and take an interest in functioning as expert members. Students are aware of the basics of health-enhancing physical exercise and know how to stimulate clients to take up goal-oriented and safe physical activities. Students are capable of multidisciplinary work.

Content

The Development Programme for the Prevention and Care of Diabetes (DEHKO)
Characteristics and examination of the diabetic foot
Neurological and vascular examination of the diabetic foot
Identification of a diabetic foot at risk
Prevention of a diabetic client’s foot problems and arranging care
Treatment of diabetic foot ulcers and wound care products
Special footwear, foot orthoses and therapeutic shoes
Lower extremity amputations and prosthetics
Activities of the Finnish Diabetes Association and local associations
Significance of physical exercise from the perspective of public health
Health-enhancing exercise recommendations and effects of training
Multidisciplinary co-operation in promotion of health-enhancing physical exercise