A 70-year-old man with type 2 diabetes and peripheral neuropathy presents with a painless ulcer on the plantar surface of his right foot. The ulcer is...

Question

A 70-year-old man with type 2 diabetes and peripheral neuropathy presents with a painless ulcer on the plantar surface of his right foot. The ulcer is 2 cm in diameter with surrounding callus and no signs of infection. His pedal pulses are palpable. What is the MOST important initial management?

Accepted Answer

Offload pressure from the affected foot, debride callus, and refer to the multidisciplinary diabetic foot team

Answer

Prescribe oral Flucloxacillin for prophylaxis

Answer

Refer for vascular surgery assessment

Answer

Apply a hydrocolloid dressing and review in 4 weeks

Answer

Start topical antibiotics

uk-dgm MCQ (SBA): Diabetic Foot Ulcer - Initial Management

A 70-year-old man with type 2 diabetes and peripheral neuropathy presents with a painless ulcer on the plantar surface of his right foot. The ulcer is 2 cm in diameter with surrounding callus and no signs of infection. His pedal pulses are palpable. What is the MOST important initial management?