Do US Veterans Wear Appropriately Sized Shoes?

2006 ◽  
Vol 96 (4) ◽  
pp. 290-292 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brent P. Nixon ◽  
David G. Armstrong ◽  
Christopher Wendell ◽  
Jefferey R. Vazquez ◽  
Zinoviy Rabinovich ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Diabetic Foot ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Total Population ◽  
Medical Literature ◽  
Etiologic Factor ◽  
High Risk Population ◽  
Foot Ulceration ◽  
Shoe Size ◽  
Protective Sensation ◽  
Loss Of Protective Sensation

Poorly fitting footwear has frequently been cited as an etiologic factor in the pathway to diabetic foot ulceration. However, we are unaware of any reports in the medical literature specifically measuring shoe size versus foot size in this high-risk population. We assessed the prevalence of poorly fitting footwear in individuals with and without diabetic foot ulceration. We evaluated the shoe size of 440 consecutive patients (94.1% male; mean ± SD age, 67.2 ± 12.5 years) presenting to an interdisciplinary teaching clinic. Of this population, 58.4% were diagnosed as having diabetes, and 6.8% had active diabetic foot ulceration. Only 25.5% of the patients were wearing appropriately sized shoes. Individuals with diabetic foot ulceration were 5.1 times more likely to have poorly fitting shoes than those without a wound (93.3% versus 73.2%; odds ratio [OR], 5.1; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2–21.9; P = .02). This association was also evident when assessing only the 32.3% of the total population with diabetes and loss of protective sensation (93.3% versus 75.0%; OR, 4.8; 95% CI, 1.1–20.9; P = .04). Poorly fitting shoes seem to be more prevalent in people with diabetic foot wounds than in those without wounds with or without peripheral neuropathy. This implies that appropriate meticulous screening for shoe-foot mismatches may be useful in reducing the risk of lower-extremity ulceration. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 96(4): 290–292, 2006)

Evaluation of Risk Factors Associated with Diabetic Foot Ulcers in Saudi Arabia

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 224-232 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mousab Yousef Al-Ayed ◽  
Mutasem Ababneh ◽  
Asirvatham Alwin Robert ◽  
Ahmed Salman ◽  
Abdulghani Al Saeed ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Diabetic Foot ◽  
Foot Ulcers ◽  
Foot Ulceration ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Vascular Insufficiency ◽  
Protective Sensation ◽  
Loss Of Protective Sensation ◽  
Age Range

<P>Background and Aims: Considering that diabetic foot ulceration is one of the major health issues globally, we aimed to evaluate the risk factors associated with foot ulcers in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods: A total of 81 T2DM patients (age range: 40-80 years) registered at the Diabetes Treatment Center, Prince Sultan Military Medical City (PSMMC), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia between April and September 2015 were included in this cross-sectional study after purposive selection and assigning of patient numbers. The selected participants were interviewed and examined, and their medical records were reviewed for sensory, vibratory, and painful neuropathies; vascular insufficiency; retinopathy; and dermatological variations. The Wagner’s classification system was employed to evaluate the stage of patients’ foot ulcers. Results: Among the study participants [mean age range: 56.4 ± 6.72 years; 53 males (65.4%)], cases of loss of protective sensation, foot deformity, amputation history, and dermatological abnormalities were notable. The Wagner gradation value of ulcers were grade 0 for 16% study population, grade 1 for 35.8%, grade 2 for 45.7%, grade 3 for 2.5%, and grades 4 and 5 for 0%. Approximately 19% of the patients had a previous case of amputation and 29.6% had nail disease. The most common footwear reported to be used by the patients was sandals shoes (46%). Conclusion: The issues of loss of protective sensation, vascular insufficiency, deformity, previous amputations, and dermatological abnormalities of the lower limbs were found to be most common among the foot ulceration patients. The study findings thus recommend regular foot examination, following basic hygiene habits, encouragement of the use of appropriate footwear, patient education about foot ulcers, and prompt treatment for minor injuries to prevent further ulceration in DM patients.</P>

Improved Sensitivity in Patients with Peripheral Neuropathy

2005 ◽  
Vol 95 (2) ◽  
pp. 143-147 ◽  
Author(s):  
Salvatore L. DeLellis ◽  
Dale H. Carnegie ◽  
Thomas J. Burke
Keyword(s):  
Diabetes Mellitus ◽  
Risk Factor ◽  
Peripheral Neuropathy ◽  
Diabetic Foot ◽  
Medical Records ◽  
Significant Clinical Improvement ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Protective Sensation ◽  
Loss Of Protective Sensation ◽  
Foot Sensation

The medical records of 1,047 patients (mean age, 73 years) with established peripheral neuropathy were examined to determine whether treatment with monochromatic infrared photo energy was associated with increased foot sensitivity to the 5.07 Semmes-Weinstein monofilament. The peripheral neuropathy in 790 of these patients (75%) was due to diabetes mellitus. Before treatment with monochromatic infrared photo energy, of the ten tested sites (five on each foot), a mean ± SD of 7.9 ± 2.4 sites were insensitive to the 5.07 Semmes-Weinstein monofilament, and 1,033 patients exhibited loss of protective sensation. After treatment, the mean ± SD number of insensate sites on both feet was 2.3 ± 2.4, an improvement of 71%. Only 453 of 1,033 patients (43.9%) continued to have loss of protective sensation after treatment. Therefore, monochromatic infrared photo energy treatment seems to be associated with significant clinical improvement in foot sensation in patients, primarily Medicare aged, with peripheral neuropathy. Because insensitivity to the 5.07 Semmes-Weinstein monofilament has been reported to be a major risk factor for diabetic foot wounds, the use of monochromatic infrared photo energy may be associated with a reduced incidence of diabetic foot wounds and amputations. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 95(2): 143–147, 2005)

Preferred Offloading Modalities for Management of Diabetic Foot Ulcers in Private Clinical Settings: A Survey of Australian Podiatrists

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adriaan Erasmus ◽  
Michael Melek ◽  
Malia Ho
Keyword(s):  
Diabetic Foot ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Ease Of Use ◽  
Foot Ulcers ◽  
Diabetic Foot Ulcers ◽  
Therapeutic Footwear ◽  
Human Research Ethics ◽  
Protective Sensation ◽  
Loss Of Protective Sensation

Abstract Background Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is a common complication of diabetes mellitus. Neuropathy predisposes patients to diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) due to the loss of protective sensation and associated deformities. Management of foot ulcers are multifactorial, but pressure offloading can be considered as one of the most important aspects of management. According to IWGDF Guidelines, non-removable knee-high offloading devices are recommended as the 1st line of treatment for these ulcers. However, this is a very underutilised treatment modality. This study aimed to evaluate the practitioner preferred offloading modalities and reasons for their preference. Methods This project was approved by the university’s human research ethics committee. An online survey was distributed amongst Australian podiatrist via an industry related social media group. The survey collected simple demographical information, management strategies, preferred offloading modalities for the management of diabetic foot ulcers and reasons for their preferred method. Results Sixty-three podiatrists completed the survey with the majority practicing in private clinics. All practitioners treat diabetic foot ulcers regularly with most participants treating up to ten ulcer cases per week and 14% of participants treating more than 20 ulcers per week. Contrary to the IWGDF guidelines, standard therapeutic footwear was the most preferred method of management for the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers, with ease of use reported as the main reason for practitioners using this modality. Non-compliance to the use of non-removable knee-high offloading devices include perceived patient non-compliance and poor tolerance. Conclusion This study shows that practitioners’ offloading strategies do not adhere to the IWGDF guidelines. The reasons for not adhering to the guidelines seems to be a clinical practicality rather than evidence-based practice. Reasons for choosing a management strategy is multi-factorial (not just reducing plantar pressures). Further studies may be required to evaluate the effectiveness of therapeutic footwear in ulcer healing, taking into consideration other factors such as practitioner and patient preference, clinical practicality, and access to support. Based on the findings, this study provides suggestions on how to overcome the barriers that prevent podiatrist from adhering to the recommendations of the IWGDF when selecting offloading devices in general clinical practice.

Testing for Loss of Protective Sensation in Patients with Foot Ulceration

2005 ◽  
Vol 95 (5) ◽  
pp. 469-474 ◽  
Author(s):  
William A. Wood ◽  
Michael A. Wood ◽  
Scott A. Werter ◽  
Joseph J. Menn ◽  
Scott A. Hamilton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Diabetic Neuropathy ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Actual Measurement ◽  
Foot Ulceration ◽  
Pressure Threshold ◽  
Static Touch ◽  
History Of ◽  
Protective Sensation ◽  
Loss Of Protective Sensation

Current recommendations for the prevention of foot ulceration and amputation include screening at-risk individuals by testing for loss of protective sensation at eight sites using 10-g (5.07) nylon monofilaments. Yet measurement of the cutaneous pressure threshold to differentiate one-point from two-point static touch stimuli may allow identification of these at-risk individuals earlier in the clinical course of diabetic neuropathy. The present study tested this hypothesis using a prospective, cross-sectional, multicenter design that included sensibility testing of 496 patients with diabetic neuropathy, 17 of whom had a history of ulceration or amputation. Considering the cutaneous pressure threshold of the 5.07 Semmes-Weinstein nylon monofilament to be equivalent to the 95 g/mm2 one-point static touch measured using the Pressure-Specified Sensory Device (Sensory Management Services LLC, Baltimore, Maryland), only 3 of these 17 patients with a history of foot ulceration or amputation would have been identified using the Semmes-Weinstein nylon monofilament screening technique. In contrast, using the Pressure-Specified Sensory Device, all 17 patients were identified as having abnormal sensibility, defined as greater than the 99% confidence limit for age, for two-point static touch on the hallux pulp. We conclude that patients at risk for foot ulceration can best be identified by actual measurement of the cutaneous sensibility of the hallux pulp. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 95(5): 469–474, 2005)

Prevalence, Clinical Presentation, and Factors Associated With Diabetic Foot Ulcer in Two Regional Hospitals in Cameroon

2018 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 42-47 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maxime Tindong ◽  
John N. Palle ◽  
Daniel Nebongo ◽  
Leopold Ndemnge Aminde ◽  
Yannick Mboue-Djieka ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Diabetic Foot ◽  
Clinical Presentation ◽  
Foot Ulcer ◽  
Diabetic Foot Ulcer ◽  
Arterial Disease ◽  
Patients With Diabetes ◽  
Protective Sensation ◽  
Peripheral Arterial ◽  
Loss Of Protective Sensation ◽  
Regional Hospitals

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of diabetic foot ulcer and high risk for ulceration, describe the clinical presentation, and identify factors associated with diabetic foot ulcer in the Southwest regional hospitals of Cameroon. In this cross-sectional study, data were collected using a structured questionnaire administered to consecutive patients with diabetes. Findings from detailed foot examination were recorded. Diabetic foot ulcer was diagnosed according to the International Working Group on Diabetic Foot (IWGDF) definition. Data were analyzed with Stata IC version 12. Of the 203 participants included, 63.1% were females. Age ranged from 26 to 96 years. The median duration of diabetes was 4.0 years (interquartile range 1.0-8.0 years). The prevalence of diabetic foot ulcer was 11.8% (24), of whom 29.2% (7) had high grade (grades 2 to 4), and most of the ulcers 58.3% (14) were located at the plantar region. The prevalence of high risk for ulceration was 21.8% (39). Loss of protective sensation (OR = 3.73, 95% CI = 1.43-9.71; P = .007), and peripheral arterial disease (OR = 3.48, 95% CI = 1.14-10.56; P = .028) were independently associated with diabetic foot. Diabetic foot ulcer is a common complication among patients with diabetes attending these regional hospitals. Loss of protective sensation, and peripheral arterial disease increase the odds of having diabetic foot ulcer, and we suggest them as the main target of interest for prevention.

Reappraising Diabetic Foot Ulcers: A Focus on Mechanisms of Ulceration and Clinical Evaluation

2020 ◽  
pp. 153473462094451
Author(s):  
Paola C. Aldana ◽  
Alexander M. Cartron ◽  
Amor Khachemoune
Keyword(s):  
Diabetic Foot ◽  
Morbidity And Mortality ◽  
Foot Ulcers ◽  
Motor Neuropathy ◽  
Diabetic Foot Ulcers ◽  
Microvascular Changes ◽  
Patient Morbidity ◽  
Protective Sensation ◽  
Loss Of Protective Sensation ◽  
The 19Th Century

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) are one of the most devastating complications of diabetes as they have significant effects on patient morbidity and mortality. Since their first description in the 19th century, our understanding of DFU has evolved as we uncover the mechanisms that mediate ulceration. In this review, we aim to summarize the various pathways that lead to the development of DFU in order to reappraise physicians’ understanding of these complex wounds. Relevant pathways include the following: (1) neuropathy (motor neuropathy, loss of protective sensation, and autonomic sympathetic dysfunction), (2) vascular disease (arterial ischemia, venous insufficiency, and microvascular changes), and (3) metabolism (signaling and immunological effects of hyperglycemia). We also discuss the clinical presentation of DFU and an evidence-based evaluation to assist clinicians in early identification and classification of these wounds to inform management of DFU. Finally, we summarize complications of DFU caused by the various pathways mediating ulceration and briefly overview DFU management in order to educate physicians about the potential risks if left untreated. A better understanding of the synergistic pathways leading to DFU is essential for clinicians to improve DFU diagnosis, tailor intervention, and mitigate significant patient morbidity and mortality.

The acutely infected diabetic foot is not adequately evaluated in an inpatient setting

1997 ◽  
Vol 87 (6) ◽  
pp. 260-265 ◽  
Author(s):  
GW Edelson ◽  
DG Armstrong ◽  
LA Lavery ◽  
G Caicco
Keyword(s):  
Lower Extremity ◽  
Diabetic Foot ◽  
Primary Diagnosis ◽  
University Teaching ◽  
Inpatient Setting ◽  
Foot Ulceration ◽  
Teaching Institution ◽  
Surgical Services ◽  
Dichotomous Variables ◽  
Protective Sensation

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the standard of evaluation and treatment of the infected diabetic foot ulceration at a 551-bed university teaching institution. DESIGN A retrospective review of a 4-year consecutive sample (1991-1994). POPULATION Two hundred fifty-five patients who were admitted to a hospital for care of an infected diabetic foot ulceration. Patients were subdivided into the following 4 dichotomous variables: (1) whether the patient underwent a lower-extremity amputation, (2) whether the patient was admitted once or multiple times, (3) whether the patient underwent intraoperative debridement, and (4) whether the patient was admitted to medical or surgical services. RESULTS All groups that were evaluated had undergone a less than adequate foot examination. Of the admitted patients, 31.4% did not have their pedal pulses documented; 59.7% of the admitted patients were not evaluated for the presence or absence of protective sensation. Nearly 90% of the wounds were not evaluated for involvement of underlying structures, and foot radiographs were not performed in 32.9% of the patients. There were more blood cultures ordered (62.0%) than wound cultures (51.4%). CONCLUSION The results of this study highlight the need for a systematic, detailed lower-extremity examination for every diabetic patient who is admitted to a hospital, particularly those who are admitted with a primary diagnosis that involves a foot complication.

Is a Left-to-Right >2.2°C Difference a Valid Measurement to Predict Diabetic Foot Ulceration in People with Diabetes and a History of Diabetic Foot Ulceration?

2021 ◽  
pp. 153473462110627
Author(s):  
Jill Featherston ◽  
Anke M. Wijlens ◽  
Jaap J. van Netten
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Construct Validity ◽  
Diabetic Foot ◽  
Environmental Temperature ◽  
Time Of Day ◽  
Warning Sign ◽  
Activity Time ◽  
Foot Ulceration ◽  
Walking Activity ◽  
Protective Sensation

Monitoring foot skin temperatures at home have been shown to be effective at preventing the occurrence of diabetic foot ulcers. In this study, the construct validity of using >2.2°C difference between contralateral areas on the foot as a warning sign of imminent ulceration is explored. Thirty participants with diabetes at high risk of ulceration (loss of protective sensation and previous ulceration and/or amputation) monitored their foot temperatures at six sites, four times a day for six days using a handheld infrared thermometer. Walking activity, time of day, and environmental temperature were also monitored and correlated with foot temperatures. We found that contralateral mean skin temperature difference was 0.78°C at baseline. At single sites, left-to-right temperature differences exceeding the threshold were found in 9.6% of measurements ( n = 365), which reduced to 0.4% when individually corrected and confirmed the next day. No correlation was found between contralateral temperature differences and activity, time of day, and environmental temperature. We conclude that using a >2.2°C difference is invalid as a single measurement in people at high risk of ulceration, but the construct validity is appropriate if both individual corrections and next day confirmation are applied.

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