Foot ulcers are one of the most common of diabetic complications and one of the leading causes of
amputations.
A device approved by the NHS can prevent foot ulcers. It is a thin liquid gel insert in the shoe which
changes the distribution of body weight as excessive pressure on the feet is one of the causes of foot
damage. It also massages muscles on the sole of the foot and increases blood circulation.
Another patented device approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration can predict whether
an ulcer will develop more than a month before it actually shows up. Foot ulcers are not easy to
recognize or diagnose while they are developing.
However, they do show some early warning signs. The place where an ulcer is likely to appear will be
a warmer spot on your foot. The device uses temperature data to predict whether an ulcer will develop which gives doctors more time to treat it. It is based on a study by Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, Robert G Fryberg, which investigated whether heat sensing mats at home could help detect foot ulcers early and help prevent them.
The device is a wireless monitoring system that collects foot temperature scans . Using the device is
simple. ‘People have to keep it turned on and step on it each morning. Data from the thermogram of
the feet is sent to a central server. A difference of four or more degrees Fahrenheit on two successive
days will register an alert, which is then transmitted to the user and to his or her doctor for necessary
treatment’.
A company, Podimetrics makes and manages this system.
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