The Hindu : Foot scanner, a boon for diabetics

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Jun 15, 2003

Southern States

Southern States - Karnataka-Bangalore

Foot scanner, a boon for diabetics

By Our Staff Reporter

BANGALORE June 14. Bangalore's first and the country's third computerised foot scanner -- a device to measure altered foot pressures in diabetics and other patients -- has been installed at the Jain Institute of Vascular Sciences here on the premises of the Bhagwan Mahaveer Jain Hospital. Identification of pressure points on the foot is crucial for diabetics and greatly reduces the need for amputation.

The scanner, Emed Plantar Pressure Measurement System, which was demonstrated to presspersons here on Saturday, consists of a "pressure pad" equipped with numerous minute sensors built into a matrix and connected to a computer with specialised software to analyse the transmitted data.

The patient is made to stand on the pad and the colour coded foot graphic is then seen on the screen. The high pressure areas (static pressure) can be identified. The patient walks on the pressure pad (dynamic pressure) which will identify the high pressure areas during ambulation. Pressure identifying insoles are placed inside the patient's shoes to measure these parameters while the patient is walking.

The system installed at the Jain Institute can predict in a normal looking foot the abnormal pressure areas both while standing and walking so that the development of ulcers could be prevented in the future.

If the patient already has a sore, the scanner identifies other areas in the foot that are at risk for future problems. The scanner also helps create footwear in patients who have normal and abnormal feet by identifying the risk-prone areas. It evaluates the patient after creation of footwear to see if the high pressure areas are protected.

Stating that diabetics were extremely prone to foot problems, the institute director, K.R. Suresh, said the percentage was as high as 40. "The nerve damage in these patients leads to loss of sensation and muscle weakness causing the foot to attain abnormal shape. This creates increased pressure on the parts of the foot not meant to bear weight while walking."

The problem, he explained, was compounded by walking barefoot on hard ground. "This leads to injury and skin breakdown, and since the patient may not feel any pain, they seek medical care rather late. Infection of these ulcers in India is extremely high, leading to loss of a limb (amputation) and loss of life." He said it was possible to prevent amputation by basic foot care and customised footwear in over 50 per cent of patients. Eighty-five per cent of patients who undergo amputation have an ulcer before which can be prevented. "If high pressure areas in the foot can be identified before skin breakdown (ulcer), these areas can be protected by specialised footwear and insole material."

The scan will cost about Rs. 300. For more information, contact the institute at the Bhagwan Mahaveer Jain Hospital, Millers Road, Vasanthnagar. Ph: 2207188/ 2207640-49. e-mail: (jainvascular@hotmail.com)

The institute's Podiatry Division (Foot Care Division) has also organised a workshop on `Orthotics and diabetic foot care' on June 15.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Southern States

Stories in this Section

Foot scanner, a boon for diabetics

A rewarding experience for students

Indira Krishnamurthy passes away

Man abandoned by auto driver dies

Student robbed of cash, gold ring