Foot ulcers can be a life-threatening condition and one clinic in Moose Jaw is hoping to save lives.
Foot Works Advanced Foot Care kicked off its Total Contact Cast pilot in June of 2023 and continues its run of two years with the backing of Saskatchewan's Ministry of Health. This pilot is saving the limbs and lives of those who suffer from diabetic foot ulcers.
"It is one of the highest risks to diabetics and their health. So, we use the Total Contact Cast System which is considered the gold standard of care," said Patrick Shields, primary care lead of Foot Works Advanced Foot Care.
Diabetic foot ulcers can lead to serious complications including amputation or worse if not treated effectively. The cast helps patients by offloading the pressure and pushing it up the cone of the cast of the leg, away from the bottom of the foot.
"It's similar to if you had broken your ankle, the only difference is we encapsulate the whole foot," explained Shields.
So far in the last 13 months of the program, 60 patients have already been or are currently being treated by the pilot through Moose Jaw and Swift Current. On top of the success of this program, it is free for those in need of treatment.
"We're looking for as many as we can help. Ulcers have a higher mortality rate than most forms of cancer and are a high cost to the health care system. This is a more affordable way that we can provide the treatment."
The success rate of the Total Contact Cast pilot is 93 per cent as the pilot project will come due by the end of June 2025. With every patient treated before the deadline, the likelihood of the program being extended or becoming permanent increases.
If you need to be treated for diabetic foot ulcers, contact Foot Works Advanced Foot Care in Moose Jaw at (306) 983 - 6262 or visit their website.