Common foot health problems and measures to prevent it among diabetic geriatric patients

Abstract EN

Foot problems represent some of the most painful, distressing, and disabling afflictions associated with aging.

Foot health is an important area in the care of the elderly as foot problems may be associated with an impairment of activities of daily living (ADL), functional limitation in gait, and an increased risk of fall.

Therefore; the study was conducted to assess the foot health status of the diabetic elderly patients and to increase their awareness of the common foot problems that require early detection and management.

Results showed that, foot problems are common in the diabetic elderly patients and have a significant detrimental impact on health related quality of life.

The commonest problems are dry and cracked skin, followed by corns and callus, and fungal infection.

Yet there is a low awareness and lack of knowledge on types of foot problems that require early detection and treatment.

The findings suggest that, more health education on awareness and increased knowledge about common foot problems, proper foot hygiene and foot care given for the elderly and / or their caregivers to promote better foot health.

Further researches are required to determine best practice models for many foot problems.