Evaluation of foot problems among diabetics in rural population

Abstract

Diabetes is the most common metabolic disease encountered by a surgeon. A sound knowledge of symptomatology, clinical signs and etiology can prevent most of the disease burden and complications and thus reduce social burden. The study tells about common foot problems among diabetes and correlates it with the awareness among people. The study aims to obtain an initial and representative data sample to identify the common pedal complications of diabetes mellitus and to provide an initial projection for the development of a podiatric foot health education program within the Hospital-Medical Centre Complex. 500 diabetic patients were examined of whom 52 had diabetic foot lesions. The symptoms, signs and grade of foot lesion were cross studied with duration, type and occupation of patient. Chi square test was performed and a probability value of p <0.05 was considered significant. The prevalence of diabetic foot in a hospital based rural diabetic population was observed to be 10.4%. Foot lesion were common in the age group 41-60 years. The most common symptom was numbness in foot ( 40.6%) and was more common in long duration diabetes, Type II diabetes and outdoor workers. Common foot deformity observed were callosities (54.6%) and Hallux valgus/ varus (28%). The least common was Charcot's deformity (3.6%). Ulceration (23%) and amputation (5.7%) were higher in outdoor workers. Wagner's grade 2 lesions were the most common foot lesion with diabetic foot. The questionare regarding knowledge, awareness and foot care showed. 99.8% did not inspect the feet properly and 74% washed their feet properly. © 2008 Association of Surgeons of India.