Question

A 58-year-old woman with type 2 diabetes presents with a non-healing plantar foot ulcer for 3 months. She has neuropathy and palpable pedal pulses. There is no purulence or systemic symptoms. According to Diabetes Canada foot care guidelines, what is the most important initial step in management?

Accepted Answer

Provide offloading of pressure, local wound care, and assessment by a multidisciplinary foot care team

Answer

Start high-dose systemic antibiotics for all diabetic foot ulcers

Answer

Arrange urgent surgical amputation

Answer

Observe without intervention as ulcer will likely heal spontaneously

Answer

Apply topical corticosteroids to reduce inflammation

Practice question

A 58-year-old woman with type 2 diabetes presents with a non-healing plantar foot ulcer for 3 months. She has neuropathy and palpable pedal pulses. There is no purulence or systemic symptoms. According to Diabetes Canada foot care guidelines, what is the most important initial step in management?