Foot Exercises as an Innovative Therapy for Diabetes Mellitus Ulcers: A Case Report
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.28932/jmh.v8i2.11748Keywords:
diabetes mellitus, foot exercises, diabetic foot ulcersAbstract
Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) remain a major complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM), often leading to prolonged healing and increased morbidity. Foot exercises have been proposed as an adjunct therapy to enhance circulation and promote tissue recovery. This case report describes a 59-year-old female patient with type 2 DM presenting with a foot ulcer treated with diabetic foot gymnastics twice weekly for three weeks, in combination with standard wound care. Wound assessment using the Bates-Jensen Wound Assessment Tool (BWAT) demonstrated significant improvements, including reduction in wound size and depth, decreased exudate, and enhanced granulation and epithelial tissue formation. The patient’s BWAT score decreased following the intervention, indicating improved tissue perfusion and peri-wound skin condition, thereby accelerating healing. The exercise regimen also supported better muscle strength, joint mobility, and overall foot function, contributing to improved quality of life. This case illustrates the potential role of foot exercises as a simple, low-cost, and effective complementary therapy for managing DFUs, warranting further investigation through controlled studies.Downloads
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