IES2025 Research, Audit and Quality Improvement Projects E-Posters (60 abstracts)
Diabetic foot disease patterns and use of walking aid: a retrospective, single center, observational descriptive study from a tertiary hospital
Aoife O’Connor , Brian O’Halloran , Catherine MacAllister , Muhammad A Janjua , Muhammad Zeeshan , Khadija Sharif , Wasif Raza , Nisar A. Khan , Aidah Ilyas , Belinda Mitchell , Jennifer Ward , Ihtisham Malik & Farooq Khan
St Luke’s General Hospital, Kilkenny, Ireland
Introduction: Diabetic foot affects up to 25% of people with diabetes, often resulting from neuropathy and impaired circulation. It significantly increases the risk of ulceration and amputation. Walking aids, such as canes, frames, or wheelchairs, can reduce plantar pressure, improve mobility, and support healing. Limited research exists on whether these aids influence ulcer pattern or severity.
Method: This observational study included all outpatients attending a tertiary hospital podiatry service from January to June 2024. Demographics, diabetes duration, ulcer characteristics, and walking aid use were recorded.
Results: A total of 156 patients (468 appointments) were reviewed; mean age was 70.66 years, with 72.4% (n = 133) aged ≥65 years. Forty-two were female, and 31.8% (n = 50) had diabetes for >20 years; 21 had type 1 diabetes. Active ulcers were present in 103 patients, mostly on the forefoot (n = 85). Thirty-five were in remission, and 16 attended for nail or callus care. Among ulcer cases, 84 were superficial and 19 deep; 57 were cultured. In older patients (n = 133), 51.9% (n = 60) used no aid, 17.3% (n = 23) used a stick, 6% (n = 8) a zimmer frame, and 8.3% (n = 11) a wheelchair. Walking aid use showed no statistical association with ulcer location (P = 0.45) or depth (P = 0.30).
Conclusion: While walking aids redistribute weight and enhance stability, this study found no significant relationship between their use and ulcer site or severity. Nonetheless, aids remain valuable for preventing injury, aiding healing, improving balance, and maintaining quality of life. Early assessment and tailored prescription should be integral to diabetic foot care.
Volume 115
Article tools
My recent searches
My recently viewed abstracts
Authors
Endocrine Abstracts
ISSN 1470-3947 (print) | ISSN 1479-6848 (online)
© Bioscientifica 2026 |
Privacy policy |
Cookie settings
BiosciAbstracts
Bioscientifica Abstracts is the gateway to a series of products that provide a permanent, citable record of abstracts for biomedical and life science conferences.
Find out more