The Foot Imprinter Harris Mat - FM1111 is a simple yet effective tool for diabetic foot care, playing a vital role in the prevention of serious complications. Unlike advanced computerized pressure plates, which are more expensive and complex, the Harris Mat is a low-cost, easy-to-use device that provides valuable information.
How It Works
The Harris Mat is a rubber mat with an inked surface that a person walks across or stands on. As a person's foot presses on the mat, the ink creates an impression on a piece of paper placed underneath. The amount of pressure exerted on a specific area of the foot determines the darkness of the print. A darker impression indicates a higher pressure point, while a lighter area signifies a lower pressure point.
Its Role in Diabetic Foot Care
For individuals with diabetes, particularly those with neuropathy (nerve damage leading to loss of sensation), the Harris Mat is an essential screening tool. Here’s why it's so important:
• Identifying High-Risk Areas: Since neuropathy can mask pain, a person with diabetes may not be aware of areas on their feet that are under excessive pressure. The Harris Mat visually highlights these “hot spots“ that are prone to developing calluses, blisters, and eventually, foot ulcers. These ulcers are a major cause of lower-limb amputations in people with diabetes.
• Proactive Prevention: By identifying these at-risk areas early, healthcare providers can take proactive measures. This may include recommending:
o Specialized footwear: Shoes with extra depth or a wider toe box to reduce pressure.
o Custom orthotics: Insoles designed to redistribute pressure evenly across the foot, taking the load off the high-risk areas.
o Patient education: Encouraging the patient to regularly inspect their feet and seek immediate medical attention for any new sores or calluses.
• Cost-Effective Screening: The Harris Mat provides a simple, inexpensive, and quick way to screen a large number of patients for risk factors. This makes it an ideal tool for routine check-ups in a clinic or a doctor's office.
• Monitoring and Motivation: The footprints can be used to monitor the effectiveness of a treatment plan. For example, a doctor can take a new imprint after a patient has started using custom orthotics to confirm that the pressure distribution has improved. The visual evidence can also be a powerful tool to motivate patients to adhere to their foot care regimen.
Please write to elango@diabetikfootcare.com for any queries.
