TARGETED INTERVENTIONS TO MODIFIED RISK FACTORS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF DI-ABETIC FOOT ULCER
Agoritsa Evangelakou, Georgios Vasilopoulos, Georgia Fasoi, Ioannis Kalemikerakis, Niki Pavlatou, Martha Kelesi
Saturday, January 1, 2022
Publication year:
2022
Authors:
- Evangelakou Agoritsa, Postgraduate program: Treatment and care of wounds and ulcers. Department of Nursing, University of West Attica, Athens, Greece
- Vasilopoulos Georgios, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Health and Caring Professions, Department of Nursing, Athens University of Applied Sciences, Greece
- Fasoi Georgia, Associate Professor, Department of Nursing, Technological Educational Institute of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Kalemikerakis Ioannis, 2. Lecturer, Faculty of Health and Caring Professions, Department of Nursing, Athens University of Applied Sciences, Greece
- Pavlatou Niki, Department of Nursing Specialities GNA G.GENNIMATA
- Kelesi Martha, Professor, Department of Nursing, University of West Attika
Keywords index:
Pages: 31-46
Abstract:
Introduction: The prevention of diabetic foot ulcers aims to manage the modifiable risk factors, of which the main include loss or impairment of limb aesthetics, deformity of the foot architecture, peripheral arterial disease, history of foot ulcer, any level of lower extremity, the presence of skin lesions and pre-ulcerative lesions on the limb, increased mechanical stress and limited mobility in the foot and in the joint of the hammers. The purpose of this systematic review was to explore the effectiveness of interventions aimed at reducing the risk factors for developing foot ulcers in people with diabetes. Methodology: The literature was searched in the PubMed database and original research studies, written in English, were searched. Six interventions for the treatment of modifiable risk factors for diabetic ulcer were investigated, such as patient education, health professional training, self-care, pre-ulcer interventions, orthodontic interventions, and exercises related to legs and mobility. Results: 10 studies were included. Structured training can improve patients 'self-care behavior, annual foot examinations, and health professionals' knowledge of the disease and its treatment. Special therapeutic footwear can be effective in reducing foot pressure. Exercises related to the legs and mobility can improve the symptoms of neuropathy and the range of motion of the joints of the legs and hammers, while not appearing to reduce maximal plantar pressure. Conclusions: Modifiable risk factors can be addressed through systematic interventions such as education, patient and health care professionals, physical exercise and measures to relieve limb stress.
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