For people with diabetes, foot care is a critical part of managing their health. Due to a condition called diabetic neuropathy, many individuals with diabetes experience nerve damage in their feet, which can lead to a loss of sensation. This means they may not feel pain from a cut, blister, or sore that could eventually turn into a serious foot ulcer.
This is where a foot pressure sensor plate becomes an invaluable tool.
What is a foot pressure Sensor Plate?
A foot pressure sensor plate is a flat platform equipped with thousands of tiny sensors that measure the pressure distribution from your feet. When you stand or walk across it, the sensors collect data on the force, timing, and location of pressure points. This data is then used to create a detailed map of your foot pressure, highlighting areas where pressure is too high.
Understanding the Importance of Pressure Mapping
For a person with diabetes, this information is vital for the following reasons:
• Identifying High-Risk Areas: People with diabetes are more susceptible to foot ulcers, which often form in areas of excessive pressure. The sensor plate can pinpoint these “hot spots“ that are at risk of developing a sore, even if you can't feel them yourself. This allows your doctor or podiatrist to proactively manage these areas before a problem develops.
• Preventing Ulcers: By identifying these pressure points, healthcare providers can take preventive measures. This could include recommending specialized footwear, custom-made insoles (orthotics), or a change in activity to reduce the strain on these vulnerable areas.
• Designing Custom Orthotics: The pressure map is a powerful tool for creating custom orthotics. These insoles are designed to redistribute the pressure evenly across the sole of your foot, taking the load off the high-pressure areas. This helps to prevent friction, rubbing, and the constant pressure that can lead to skin breakdown and ulceration.
• Monitoring Progress: Regular foot pressure measurements can be used to track the effectiveness of treatment. For example, after being fitted with new orthotics or shoes, a follow-up pressure scan can confirm that the new devices are correctly redistributing pressure and reducing the risk of a foot ulcer.
Proactive Foot Care: An Essential Step
The use of foot pressure measurements is a proactive, data-driven approach to diabetic foot care. It moves beyond simply checking for existing problems and focuses on preventing them from occurring in the first place.
To understand more about our foot pressure mapping system PODIASCAN or PODIASTAT, please do get in touch with one of our customer support engineers placed across India, or send your queries to elango@diabetikfootcare.com
