Patient Corner
Patient Corner - Guidance, Preparation & Support
Everything you need to prepare for a visit, care for your feet at home and understand your treatment journey.
footprint
Daily Foot Care
How to inspect, wash and protect your feet every single day.
Read more arrow_forward warningWarning Signs
The changes that mean you should contact us immediately.
Read more arrow_forward event_availablePreparing for Your Visit
What to bring and how to get the most from your consultation.
Read more arrow_forward home_healthAfter Surgery
Home care, dressing and follow-up guidance after a procedure.
Read more arrow_forward stepsFootwear Guidance
Choosing and using protective and offloading footwear.
Read more arrow_forward nutritionDiet & Diabetes
Everyday nutrition choices that protect your feet and your numbers.
Read more arrow_forward paymentsEMI & Payment Options
Flexible EMI and payment options so treatment can start on time - without cost causing delay.
Read more arrow_forward articleConsultation Process
What to expect at EDFC, from your first call through assessment, diagnosis, treatment and preventing the next ulcer.
Read more arrow_forward articleOnline Consultation
Consult an EDFC diabetic foot specialist by video - after a free urgency check. Emergencies are never made to wait behind a payment screen.
Read more arrow_forwardDaily foot-care checklist
A simple routine that prevents most diabetic foot emergencies.
- check_circle Inspect the soles and between the toes every day, using a mirror if needed
- check_circle Wash with lukewarm water and dry thoroughly, especially between toes
- check_circle Moisturise the skin but never between the toes
- check_circle Never walk barefoot, even indoors
- check_circle Check footwear for stones or rough edges before wearing
- check_circle Report any cut, blister, colour change or swelling the same day
Have a concern right now?
Do not wait. Send a photo of your foot on WhatsApp for a quick opinion.
quiz Frequently Asked Questions
<p>EDFC provides assessment and treatment for:</p><ul><li>Diabetic foot ulcers and infections</li><li>Non-healing wounds</li><li>Swelling, <a href="/conditions/cellulitis">cellulitis</a> and abscesses</li><li>Gangrene and limb-threatening conditions</li><li>Corns, calluses, cracks and recurrent ulcers</li><li>Neuropathy, burning or numbness</li><li>Charcot foot and foot deformities</li><li>Pressure injuries and bedsores</li><li>Venous, arterial, traumatic and post-surgical wounds</li><li>Footwear, insole and pressure-related problems</li></ul><p>Patients without diabetes who have chronic or <a href="/non-diabetic-ulcers">non-healing wounds</a> may also consult EDFC.</p>
<p>You can call or WhatsApp EDFC to book an appointment. You may be asked to share:</p><ul><li>A clear photograph of the wound</li><li>The duration of the problem</li><li>Whether you have diabetes</li><li>Your current city</li><li>Any fever, swelling, pus, smell or blackening</li></ul><p>A photograph helps with preliminary guidance but does not replace a physical examination.</p>
<p>Please bring:</p><ul><li>Recent blood-test reports, especially blood sugar and <a href="/assessment-diagnostics/laboratory">HbA1c</a></li><li>Previous prescriptions</li><li>A list of current medicines or insulin</li><li>Wound-culture, X-ray, MRI, Doppler or angiography reports, if available</li><li>Previous hospital or surgery discharge summaries</li><li>Photographs showing how the wound has changed</li><li>The footwear, insole, cast or walking device you currently use</li><li>Identity proof and insurance documents, if applicable</li><li>One responsible family member or caregiver, especially if you have difficulty walking or may require a procedure</li></ul>
<p>No. Keep the existing dressing in place unless our team instructs you otherwise.</p><p>Do not apply turmeric, powder, toothpaste, herbal products, strong antiseptics or any new medicine over the wound before your visit.</p>
<p>Fasting is usually not required. Take your regular meals and medicines unless the clinic has specifically advised fasting.</p><p>Patients taking insulin should carry a light snack or glucose source. Do not stop insulin, blood thinners or any prescribed medicine without medical advice.</p>
<p>Please keep approximately <strong>60 to 120 minutes</strong> for your first visit.</p><ul><li>Simple consultation: approximately <strong>30 to 45 minutes</strong></li><li>Consultation with <a href="/assessment-diagnostics">foot screening</a> or investigations: approximately <strong>60 to 120 minutes</strong></li><li>Consultation with wound assessment, <a href="/non-surgical-management/wound-care">debridement</a> and dressing: approximately <strong>90 to 150 minutes</strong></li><li>Emergency or complex wounds may require additional time</li></ul><p>Waiting and treatment time can vary depending on the patient's condition and emergency cases.</p>
<p>Your visit generally follows this process:</p><ol><li>Registration</li><li>Detailed medical and wound history</li><li>Blood pressure and blood-sugar check, when required</li><li>Foot and wound examination by the clinical team</li><li>Nerve, circulation and pressure assessment</li><li>Consultation with the doctor</li><li>Necessary investigations</li><li>Diagnosis and risk classification</li><li>Dressing, <a href="/non-surgical-management/wound-care">debridement</a> or immediate treatment, if required</li><li>Treatment counselling and cost estimate</li><li>Follow-up or procedure appointment</li></ol>
<p>The team may ask about:</p><ul><li>Duration and control of diabetes</li><li>How and when the wound started</li><li>Previous ulcers or amputations</li><li>Previous dressings, antibiotics, surgeries or hospital admissions</li><li>Fever, swelling, pain, discharge or foul smell</li><li>Heart, kidney, nerve or blood-circulation problems</li><li>Smoking or tobacco use</li><li>Current medicines and allergies</li><li>Your daily activity, occupation and footwear</li></ul><p>Please provide complete information, as these factors can influence wound healing.</p>
<p>The team may assess:</p><ul><li>Wound site, size and depth</li><li>Type and amount of discharge</li><li>Smell and condition of the surrounding skin</li><li>Redness, swelling, pus or other signs of infection</li><li>Dead tissue, slough or excessive callus</li><li>Exposed tendon, joint or bone</li><li>Sinus formation or undermining</li><li>Foot deformity and abnormal pressure points</li><li>Possibility of deeper infection or <a href="/conditions/osteomyelitis">bone involvement</a></li></ul><p>The wound may be measured and photographed with consent so that progress can be compared during future visits.</p>
<p>Diabetes and circulation problems can affect both feet even when the wound is present on only one side.</p><p>Examining both feet helps identify:</p><ul><li>Loss of sensation</li><li>Reduced circulation</li><li>Corns and calluses</li><li>Cracks or fungal infection</li><li>Foot deformity</li><li>Areas at risk of developing another ulcer</li></ul>
<p>Depending on your condition, the assessment may include:</p><ul><li>Monofilament testing</li><li>Vibration-perception or biothesiometer testing</li><li>Foot-pulse examination</li><li>Handheld Doppler examination</li><li>ABI or TBI</li><li>TcPO2, when indicated</li><li>Foot-pressure assessment or podoscan</li><li>Walking-pattern and footwear assessment</li><li>Evaluation for <a href="/conditions/charcot-foot">Charcot foot</a> or deformity</li></ul><p>Not every patient requires every test.</p>
<p>The doctor may advise:</p><ul><li>Blood glucose and <a href="/assessment-diagnostics/laboratory">HbA1c</a></li><li>Complete blood count</li><li>Kidney and liver function tests</li><li>ESR, CRP or other infection markers</li><li>Deep tissue, pus or wound culture when clinically indicated</li><li>Foot X-ray</li><li>Arterial or venous Doppler</li><li>MRI for suspected deep infection or <a href="/conditions/osteomyelitis">bone involvement</a></li><li>CT angiography or other vascular imaging</li><li>Additional tests based on your general health</li></ul><p>The reason and expected cost of the investigation will be explained before proceeding.</p>
<p>The doctor may classify the condition using EDFC's colour-coded risk system:</p><ul><li><strong>Green:</strong> Foot at risk but no active ulcer or major infection</li><li><strong>Yellow:</strong> Stable ulcer requiring planned treatment and regular follow-up</li><li><strong>Red:</strong> Deep wound, infection, poor circulation or rapidly worsening condition requiring urgent treatment</li><li><strong>Black:</strong> <a href="/conditions/gangrene">Gangrene</a>, severe infection or critical limb threat requiring emergency limb-saving management</li></ul><p>The doctor will also explain whether your condition can be treated through OPD, daycare, hospital admission or urgent referral.</p>
<p>In most cases, an initial diagnosis and provisional treatment plan can be provided during the first visit.</p><p>The plan may include:</p><ul><li>Infection control</li><li>Wound cleaning and <a href="/non-surgical-management/wound-care">debridement</a></li><li>Appropriate dressing</li><li>Pressure relief or <a href="/diabetic-foot-surgery/offloading-preventive">offloading</a></li><li>Circulation assessment or <a href="/vascular-services">vascular referral</a></li><li>Blood-sugar and medical optimisation</li><li>Nutrition advice</li><li>Footwear or customised insole</li><li>Surgery or reconstruction, when required</li><li>Follow-up and dressing schedule</li></ul><p>Some final decisions may require blood tests, imaging, culture reports or consultation with another specialist.</p>
<p>During dressing:</p><ol><li>The old dressing is removed carefully.</li><li>The wound is examined, measured and photographed with consent.</li><li>The wound is cleaned.</li><li>Dead tissue or excessive callus may be removed when necessary.</li><li>An appropriate dressing is selected according to the wound's depth, discharge, infection and surrounding skin.</li><li>Pressure relief and walking instructions are provided.</li><li>The next dressing or follow-up date is scheduled.</li></ol><p>Different wounds require different dressings; one type of dressing is not suitable for every wound.</p>
<p>Routine wound cleaning and dressing usually cause mild or no discomfort, especially when sensation is reduced due to <a href="/conditions/diabetic-neuropathy">neuropathy</a>.</p><p>Deep wounds, infected wounds or <a href="/non-surgical-management/wound-care">debridement</a> may cause discomfort. Local anaesthesia, pain-relief medicine or other measures may be used when required.</p>
<p>When medically appropriate, treatment may begin during the first visit and can include:</p><ul><li>Wound cleaning</li><li>Basic or advanced dressing</li><li>Callus removal</li><li>Debridement</li><li>Pressure-relief advice</li><li>Offloading</li><li>Blood tests</li><li>Antibiotic prescription for clinical infection</li><li>Urgent drainage or admission when necessary</li></ul><p>Advanced procedures, specialised investigations or surgery may need to be scheduled separately.</p>
<p>Most stable wounds can be treated on an outpatient basis. Admission or urgent surgery may be advised when there is:</p><ul><li>Rapidly spreading redness or swelling</li><li>Abscess or severe infection</li><li>Fever, weakness or systemic illness</li><li>Blackening or <a href="/conditions/gangrene">gangrene</a></li><li>Deep tissue, tendon, joint or <a href="/conditions/osteomyelitis">bone involvement</a></li><li>Poor circulation threatening the foot</li><li>Uncontrolled diabetes or another serious medical condition</li><li>Need for urgent drainage or extensive <a href="/non-surgical-management/wound-care">debridement</a></li></ul><p>Being advised surgery does not automatically mean amputation. Surgery may involve drainage, debridement, removal of infected bone, skin grafting, flap coverage, pressure-correction surgery or reconstruction.</p>
<p>The cost depends on what your foot actually needs on the day. As an approximate guide:</p><ul><li><strong>Consultation only:</strong> approximately Rs. 1,200</li><li><strong>Consultation with a basic foot assessment:</strong> approximately Rs. 1,700 to Rs. 3,200</li><li><strong>Consultation, assessment and wound dressing:</strong> usually approximately Rs. 2,200 to Rs. 6,200</li></ul><p>These are indicative ranges, not fixed charges. The final expense depends on the wound's size, depth, infection, dressing material, investigations and any procedure required. The expected cost is explained to you before treatment begins.</p>
<p>Not always. The following may have separate charges:</p><ul><li>Removal of dead tissue or extensive <a href="/non-surgical-management/wound-care">debridement</a></li><li>Drainage of pus or abscess</li><li>Advanced wound-care materials</li><li>Negative-pressure wound therapy</li><li>Total-contact cast or other <a href="/diabetic-foot-surgery/offloading-preventive">offloading</a> devices</li><li>Customised insoles or <a href="/footwear-services">diabetic footwear</a></li><li>Laboratory tests and imaging</li><li>Medicines and injections</li><li>Daycare procedures, anaesthesia or surgery</li></ul><p>The need, available options and estimated expense will be explained before treatment.</p>
<p>The schedule depends on the wound and dressing material used.</p><ul><li>Some wounds may need daily dressing.</li><li>Some advanced dressings may be changed every two to seven days.</li><li>High-risk infections may require review within 24 to 72 hours.</li><li>Stable, improving wounds may be reviewed weekly or as advised.</li></ul><p>The team will provide a written or clearly explained dressing and follow-up schedule.</p>
<p>Dressing is only one part of wound treatment. Successful healing may also require:</p><ul><li>Infection control</li><li>Adequate blood circulation</li><li>Blood-sugar management</li><li>Removal of dead tissue</li><li>Pressure relief or <a href="/diabetic-foot-surgery/offloading-preventive">offloading</a></li><li>Appropriate footwear</li><li>Good nutrition</li><li>Treatment of swelling</li><li>Correction of deformity or abnormal biomechanics</li><li>Vascular or reconstructive surgery when required</li></ul><p>Treating the cause of the wound is as important as covering the wound.</p>
<p>This depends on the ulcer's location, depth and severity. Some patients may walk only with a prescribed <a href="/diabetic-foot-surgery/offloading-preventive">offloading</a> device, while others may need restricted or non-weight-bearing activity.</p><p>Do not walk barefoot or continue using unsuitable footwear. Follow the walking instructions given by the doctor.</p>
<p>Antibiotics are prescribed when there is clinical evidence of infection. They are not automatically required for every ulcer.</p><p>When appropriate, a deep tissue, pus or bone sample may be collected to help select the correct antibiotic. Do not start, stop or change antibiotics without medical advice.</p>
<p>Healing time varies between patients and depends on:</p><ul><li>Wound size and depth</li><li>Duration of the wound</li><li>Infection or <a href="/conditions/osteomyelitis">bone involvement</a></li><li>Blood circulation</li><li>Pressure on the wound</li><li>Blood-sugar control</li><li>Kidney and heart health</li><li>Nutrition</li><li>Smoking or tobacco use</li><li>Treatment and <a href="/diabetic-foot-surgery/offloading-preventive">offloading</a> compliance</li></ul><p>After assessment, the doctor will provide a realistic estimate and monitor the wound's progress. No ethical clinic can guarantee a fixed healing time.</p>
<p>No clinic can guarantee limb salvage in every case. EDFC makes every medically appropriate effort to control infection, preserve healthy tissue and prevent avoidable amputation.</p><p>In advanced infection, irreversible <a href="/conditions/gangrene">gangrene</a> or life-threatening illness, removal of a toe or part of the limb may sometimes be necessary to protect the patient's life.</p>
<p>Home dressing may be allowed after the wound has been assessed and a clear plan has been provided.</p><p>The patient or caregiver should understand:</p><ul><li>How to clean the wound</li><li>Which dressing material to use</li><li>How frequently to change it</li><li>How to protect the dressing from water and contamination</li><li>Which warning signs require urgent review</li></ul><p>Regular clinical review remains important even when dressing is performed at home.</p>
<p><a href="/conditions/diabetic-neuropathy">Diabetic neuropathy</a> can reduce pain sensation. Therefore, a deep or infected wound may cause little or no pain.</p><p>Even a small wound, <a href="/conditions/blisters">blister</a>, <a href="/conditions/dry-cracked-feet">crack</a> or black spot should be evaluated early.</p>
<p>Wound closure is not the end of treatment. The foot remains at risk of recurrence.</p><p>Your prevention plan may include:</p><ul><li>Daily examination of both feet</li><li>Regular <a href="/assessment-diagnostics">diabetic-foot screening</a></li><li>Safe nail and skin care</li><li>Medical pedicure</li><li>Callus management</li><li>Customised insoles or <a href="/footwear-services">diabetic footwear</a></li><li>Foot-pressure reassessment</li><li>Blood-sugar management</li><li>Walking and activity instructions</li><li>Scheduled follow-up examinations</li></ul><p>Our goal is to heal the present wound and reduce the chance of another ulcer.</p>
<p>Seek urgent medical help if you notice:</p><ul><li>Fever, chills, weakness or confusion</li><li>Rapidly increasing redness or swelling</li><li>Pus, foul smell or increasing discharge</li><li>New black, blue, pale or cold areas</li><li>Severe or suddenly increasing pain</li><li>Rapid increase in wound size or depth</li><li>Uncontrolled bleeding</li><li>Very high or very low blood sugar</li><li>Inability to walk or sudden foot deformity</li></ul><p>Early assessment provides the best opportunity to control infection and protect the foot.</p>
<p>It is a scheduled video consultation with an Elegance Diabetic Foot & Ulcer Clinic doctor, held after our team has screened how urgent your foot problem is. You share photographs and reports beforehand, the doctor examines the foot visually and takes your history, and you receive a written treatment plan afterwards on WhatsApp and email. It is designed for follow-ups, second opinions, footwear and diet advice, and for patients who live too far from Surat to attend easily.</p>
<p>Choose the <strong>Urgent / Emergency Foot Problem</strong> option if there is blackening or sudden discolouration of a toe or foot, rapidly increasing redness or swelling, pus or a foul smell with fever or chills, sudden severe pain, a cold or pale foot, bleeding that will not stop, infection spreading above the ankle, or severe weakness, confusion, drowsiness or breathlessness. There is also a "I am not sure, but I feel it is serious" option - please use it. Our full list is on the <a href="/patient-corner/warning-signs">warning signs</a> page.</p>
<p>No. The initial nurse triage is free and always happens first. If your case is graded Red or Black - meaning infection with fever, spreading redness, severe pain, bleeding, <a href="/conditions/gangrene">gangrene</a> or a cold, blue foot - we do not ask for payment at all. You are shown "Call EDFC Now" and "Go to Nearest Hospital Emergency", and a high-priority alert goes to our duty team with a callback timer of five to ten minutes during published service hours.</p>
<p>Nurse triage is free. Most online consultations fall in the range of approximately Rs. 700 to Rs. 2,000, depending on whether you need a routine video consultation, a priority same-day slot, or a detailed second opinion with a full review of your reports. A follow-up within seven days is free or carries only a nominal charge. These are indicative amounts, confirmed to you in writing before you pay.</p>
<p>The fee covers the doctor's consultation and your digital treatment plan. Dressings, investigations, medicines, <a href="/footwear-services">therapeutic footwear</a>, procedures and any hospital treatment are charged separately. We tell you what those are likely to cost before you commit to them.</p>
<p>Send a full photograph of both feet, top and sole views of the affected foot, a close photograph of the wound with a ruler beside it for scale, and a photograph showing the redness or swelling. A ten to fifteen second walking video helps, but only take one if it is safe. Also send your current prescription, HbA1c and blood reports, and any culture, X-ray, Doppler, angiography or discharge summary you have.</p>
<p>No. Please do not remove a fresh dressing only to take photographs, and do not walk without support to get a better angle. If there is active bleeding, severe pain or blackening, stop and choose Emergency Help instead of continuing with the upload.</p>
<p>Allow about half an hour in total. An assistant pre-check of five to ten minutes verifies your identity, documents and photographs, re-confirms that this is not an emergency, and tests your video and audio. The doctor's consultation itself runs about fifteen to twenty minutes.</p>
<p>A consultation summary, an e-prescription where appropriate, investigation advice, dressing and offloading instructions, the specific warning signs that should bring you back urgently, a recommended timeline for a physical visit, EDFC contact details, and your payment invoice - all sent to your WhatsApp and email so nothing is verbal-only.</p>
<p>Yes. Your slot is held for ten minutes while you pay, and the appointment is confirmed only once payment succeeds. You get one free reschedule provided you tell us at least two hours beforehand. If the doctor has to cancel, you are offered a reschedule or a full refund. If a Red or Black emergency is identified after you have paid, you are referred immediately and the fee is refunded or adjusted.</p>
<p>You receive a unique payment link and pay by UPI, card, net banking or wallet on a secure payment page. Payment is verified before your slot is confirmed. Never share your card details, UPI PIN or an OTP with anyone, including someone claiming to be from EDFC - our staff will never ask you for them, and payment never happens over a phone call or a chat message.</p>
<p>Yes, and we encourage it - particularly for elderly patients, for anyone with reduced vision, and where a caregiver will be doing the dressings at home. Tell us on the intake form who will be attending, and let us know your preferred language so we can arrange the right doctor.</p>
<p>When the wound needs debridement, when circulation has to be measured directly rather than judged from a photograph, or when infection may have reached the bone - see <a href="/conditions/osteomyelitis">osteomyelitis</a> and our <a href="/vascular-services">vascular services</a>. In those cases the doctor will tell you plainly that you need to be seen, and where. Your <a href="/find-clinic">nearest OPD centre</a> is often closer than you expect.</p>
<p>Yes. WhatsApp opens with the same screening question, not with a booking form: it asks whether the patient has blackening of a toe, rapidly increasing swelling or redness, pus with fever, severe bleeding, or a cold or blue foot, and offers three replies - urgent help required, book an online consultation, or request a priority call if you are not sure.</p>