As winter approaches the southern hemisphere, the risks of damage to the feet of people with diabetes increase. The weather turned nasty in Johannesburg last weekend – wet and cold – as a result I saw my first Autumn diabetic foot disaster yesterday. A burn on the big toe of a lady who went to bed with her 'barley bag'. It doesn't have to be barley, rice, lentils, in fact anything that can be heated in the microwave.
At the recent meeting of the Northern Branch of the South African Podiatry Association (SAPA), local podiatrists learned more about this interesting and controversial footwear. Because Crocs have been around a while, the consensus amongst SAPA members was "try them before you dismiss them". (Remember the negative UK podiatry opinion in my Post of 16th September).
Some do, some don't.
"They should not be worn by people with diabetes" says a colleague in Cape Town.
On the other hand, a British podiatrist, writing in Podiatry Now, thinks they have great therapeutic potential and presents a case history as evidence. He suggests that they be researched by the podiatry profession.
The Diabetic Foot Symposium at the VASSA Congress yesterday was a great success. It marked the launch of DFWG, the Diabetic Foot Working Group.
This is a voluntary association which will serve as the overall representative body to promote awareness and optimal management of people with diabetic foot problems in South Africa. Its objectives include the prevention of amputation, promoting academic standards and the establishment of relationships amongst role players.
