Foot Temperature Monitoring and Why Every Diabetic Should Know How

Every diabetic must be aware of diabetic foot ulcers. Recent research reveals that high foot temperature may be an early indicator of ulcers. Monitoring is essential.

This article will review the importance of foot temperature monitoring and tell you how to measure foot temperature so you can avoid issues like gangrene and amputation.

What is a Diabetic Foot Ulcer?

A diabetic foot ulcer usually starts as a foot wound such as a corn or blister which may be caused by ill-fitting shoes. Diabetics may be unable to feel these wounds because they often have nerve damage (diabetic neuropathy) and poor circulation which reduces feeling in the extremities. If left unattended, foot ulcers can develop gangrene and the foot could require amputation.

Diabetics must take preventative measures to keep diabetic foot ulcers under control. Measuring foot temperature could help. It warns the person that the foot may be inflamed or an infection is developing.

How Foot Temperature Monitoring Works

Inflammation and infection lead to localized temperature variances at the affected site. Temperature monitoring detects elevated temperatures so the individual can address the issue before it gets worse.

Various foot temperature monitoring devices are used to measure foot temperature. They include smart insoles, wearable devices, and infrared thermography. These devices are valuable to patients and healthcare providers in keeping diabetic foot issues under control.

How to Measure Foot Temperature

The process for foot temperature monitoring varies depending on the type of device you are using. Here are some examples.

Infrared Thermography

This technology uses special cameras to measure the infrared radiation emitted from the skin’s surface. The cameras create images that indicate temperature variations across the foot. Medical professionals can use these images to determine where a wound is likely to occur.

Infrared thermography is a preferred method because it is non-invasive. The device does not need to touch the skin to take the measurement. As a result, it is hygienic and comfortable for patients.

Smart Insoles

Smart insoles have temperature sensors embedded into their material. The sensors continually measure foot temperature and send the data to a connected device or smartphone app. The information can be analyzed over time providing insight into foot health.

These devices are effective because they monitor foot temperature on an ongoing basis in real-time. Issues can be detected immediately for early treatment.

Wearable Devices

Wearable devices are similar to smart insoles in that they have sensors that continuously monitor foot temperature and send the information to a connected device or smartphone app. The real-time monitoring detects problems immediately. The main difference is that wearable devices are typically worn on the foot or around the ankle.

These wearable diabetic foot temperature monitoring devices are advantageous because they are low maintenance. They provide continuous monitoring while patients go about their daily routines.

What are the Advantages of Diabetic Foot Temperature Monitoring?

Diabetic foot temperature monitoring provides several benefits as follows:

• Reduces the Risk of Diabetic Foot Ulcers: Temperature fluctuations may indicate precursors of foot ulcers such as inflammation and pressure points. With the right treatment, ulcers can be prevented before they develop.
• Prevents Serious Infections: With foot temperature monitoring, ulcers can be caught in their early stages. This prevents the risk of complications like infections, gangrene, and amputations.
• Provides Insight into Overall Health: An increase in foot temperature could signify that a foot ulcer is about to develop, has developed, or is worsening. It could also indicate issues like compromised blood flow. In any event, it relays information to the medical professional so they can create a customized treatment plan based on the data they receive.
• People Become Accountable for Their Health: When people use foot temperature monitoring devices, they become more accountable for their health. This accountability may prompt them to make healthier choices and lifestyle changes to increase wellness.

Best Practices for Foot Temperature Monitoring

Here are some tips that ensure your foot temperature monitoring efforts are successful:

• Follow a Monitoring Routine:  Although some devices provide continuous foot temperature data, patients may not monitor them all the time. However, they should develop a system to ensure data is checked regularly. Talk to a health provider to determine a monitoring routine that works for you. They may recommend daily or weekly check-ins.
• Identify an Average Foot Temperature: Patients and medical professionals must understand when foot temperature is a cause for concern. The process involves identifying a baseline or average foot temperature. A doctor will measure foot temperature when the body is at rest. Any substantial deviations from this temperature may be concerning.
• Prompt Communications with Healthcare Professionals: Patients who detect elevated foot temperature should not hesitate to talk to a healthcare professional. An emergency line may be set up to ensure patients can communicate quickly at the first sign of a spike. They may also share data from smartphone apps and connected devices to ensure their doctors are immediately aware of fluctuations.

Does Foot Temperature Monitoring Really Help?

Foot monitoring benefits were proven in a 2004 study. 85 diabetic patients were monitored over six months. They were divided into two groups. One group received standard therapy while the other group received enhanced therapy.

The group receiving standard therapy got therapeutic footwear, foot health education, and podiatric care. The enhanced therapy group received all these treatments but also utilized foot temperature monitoring. When elevated temperatures were detected, they were advised to stay off their feet for feet temperature regulation purposes.  

Results showed foot monitoring decreased the occurrence of ulcers and has the potential to reduce ulcers by 87.5%.   

How Else Can Foot Temperature Monitoring Help Diabetics?

Another study revealed that foot temperature monitoring can be effective in detecting neuropathy in diabetic patients.

The 2009 study involved 39 normal subjects, 28 patients with diabetes without diabetic polyneuropathy, 14 patients with small-fiber diabetic polyneuropathy, and 27 patients with advanced diabetic neuropathy. The participants’ foot temperature was monitored during sleep using an iButton device.

Findings revealed that patients with diabetes experience abnormalities in foot temperature during sleep indicating impaired nocturnal thermoregulation. Therefore, foot temperature monitoring could provide insights into worsening conditions so doctors can recommend preventative treatment measures.

Other Ways to Prevent Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Foot temperature monitoring can prevent foot ulcers and keep them from worsening. Here are some other preventative measures to consider:

• Inspect Feet Daily: inspect your feet for signs of blisters, corns, cuts, and ingrown toenails that may develop into ulcers. You should also be aware of concerning symptoms like redness, swelling, and warmth.
• Wear Comfortable Shoes: Ill-fitting shoes can cause blisters that may lead to ulceration. Ensure your shoes have a half inch of space in front of the toes and offer arch support. You should also avoid socks with tight elastic bands that may minimize blood flow.
• Monitor Blood Sugar Levels: Monitor blood sugar levels to ensure they are in a healthy range. Elevated blood sugar can cause foot complications.
• Maintain a Healthy Weight: People who are obese put stress on their feet and are more likely to develop blisters when wearing shoes. Eat nutritious food and exercise to maintain a healthy weight. A dietician may help you plan a routine that supports normal weight.
• Stop Smoking: Cigarettes and tobacco products contain chemicals that slow the healing process. They may also reduce blood flow to the extremities. Talk to your doctor to learn about the best systems for smoking cessation.
• Keep Your Feet Protected: Avoid walking barefoot or wearing sandals.  These practices expose your feet to the elements making cuts more likely to occur.
• Cut Toenails Straight: Cutting toenails straight reduces the risk of ingrown toenails that can grow into the skin and become infected.

Feetsee Offers Foot Temperature Monitoring Convenience

Foot temperature monitoring is essential for diabetic patients. Feetsee is an at-home foot temperature monitoring device people trust. Simply connect your smartphone to the device, and place your feet on the connected stand. The app will provide results telling you if there are signs of inflammation. Your doctor will also be alerted to the results.

Diabetic foot ulcers can negatively impact health. Foot temperature monitoring with Feetsee can prevent ulcers from developing and worsening. Contact us to learn more about our convenient device.