A Long Handled Mirror Helps Keep The Diabetic Foot Healthy Longer

“There Is Nothing Like First-Hand Evidence.”
—Sherlock Holmes

Sherlock Holmes used a magnifying glass to inspect evidence for clues (Doyle, 2018).  His attention-to-detail and observations helped solve mysteries.  In doing so, he used a magnifying glass as an investigative tool. Likewise, diabetics can use a long handled mirror (LHM) as an investigative tool to inspect their feet for evidence of dryness, redness, and most importantly sores or ulcers.

Buy why bother?  Diabetics are at risk of foot ulcers and those who already have foot ulcers are at even higher risk of further complications (Everett & Mathioudakis, 2018).

Many diabetics develop glaucoma and poor vision which make it difficult to see and monitor changes to their feet (iThrive, Episode 3, 2018).

Also, nerve damage and impaired sensation in the diabetic foot lead to numbness and blisters that can go unnoticed and even untreated (American Diabetes Association, 2018).  And if that’s not enough, poor circulation can cause some ulcers to heal more slowly, hinders treatment, and prolongs the recovery process (Mishra, Chhatbar, Kashikar, & Mehndiratta, 2017).

Diabetic foot ulcers can start out small and when left unattended can get larger, deeper, and wider (Everett & Mathioudakis, 2018). But, why would a diabetic overlook a foot ulcer in the first place?  Perhaps the diabetic needs more education, more know-how, and more help with self-care skills in the area of proper foot hygiene.  And, a LHM might be one missing item in the investigative tool box that keeps the diabetic foot healthy longer!

Given first-hand experience as an Occupational Therapist in a rehabilitation setting, I often instructed those with diabetes in the use of a LHM to inspect their feet for early signs of changes to the skin. Diagnosed early, foot sores can be managed more efficiently thereby delaying complications such as tunneling ulcers and even amputations (Everett & Mathioudakis, 2018).

But, is it complicated to use?  As Sherlock Holmes said to Dr. Watson, “it’s elementary” (Doyle, 1976, p. 259).  So, breathe a sigh of relief because a LHM is easy to use and easy to manage.  Use it morning, noon, or night, it’s entirely up to you!  And whether sitting in an armchair, lying in bed, or in a wheelchair, it can be used alone or with the help from an aide or family member—whichever is more suited to individual needs and ability levels.

Ok, sounds interesting, but what exactly is a LHM?  And, how do I use it?  The name says a lot, but a picture paints a thousands words!  So, here’s a photo of my handmade LHM.  It consists of a cup-hook on one end for hanging, a wooden dowel rod in the middle, and a nonbreakable mirror on the other end which is used to inspect the bottom of feet for any changes to the skin.

And, here are a few examples of how to use a LHM (my hubby and canine good citizens are showcased in this demonstration):

The reflection in mirror allows a good view of the bottom of the foot.

A LHM can be used while lying in bed.

Our Golden, Shiloh works as a companion.

Together, Shiloh and Shenandoah create companionship and give comfort during self-care skills.

LHM’s can be purchased online or from medical supply companies. But, I’m frugal, so I make my own.  If you’re curious, here’s how I do it. To follow along, you’ll need the following (I found my supplies at a local home improvement store):

-a wood insert nut
-a vinyl covered cup hook
-two metal washers
-a clamping knob
-a nonbreakable shower or camping type mirror
-a wooden dowel rod

Steps for assembly:

-Place cup hook in one end of wooden dowel rod. Make a starter hole, if needed.

-Insert a wood nut into other end of wooden dowel rod. Make a starter hole, if needed.

-Then, stack wooden dowel, washer, mirror, second washer, and then secure clamping knob into wood nut.

Voila, a completed long handled mirror.

Keep LHM in a convenient location that’s easily accessible, yet tucked away or hung up when not in use.  This prevents clutter and promotes safety.

A LHM is easy to make and convenient to use.  And, here are a few pearls of wisdoms to ensure success, develop a consistent routine, and to improve carryover from day-to-day.

• Integrate the LHM into daily hygiene routine by using it the same time of day, everyday.
• The wooden dowel rod can be cut to any desired length.
• More easily grip the wooden dowel rod with use of built-up cylindrical foam or a luggage wrap.
• A LHM not only helps inspect feet for sores or ulcers, but it may also help to monitor the length and health of toe nails.

The observant Sherlock Holmes said, “there’s nothing like first-hand evidence.” And, I totally and wholeheartedly agree!  A long handled mirror can help keep the diabetic foot healthy longer.  And, people with diabetes who use a LHM as a tool to inspect their feet for first-hand evidence of ulcers may help solve the mysteries of how to prevent further infections, identify early onset of ulcers, and even lower the risk of amputations.

Our Golden, Mr. Canine Inspector Shiloh, helps find clues!

If you found this post helpful or have any suggestions, please let me know in the comment section below.

References:

American Diabetes Association (2018). Foot Complications. Retrieved March 8, 2018 from
http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/complications/foot-complications/?loc=lwd-slabnav

Doyle, A. C. (2018). A Study in Scarlet. Middleton, DE: The Sherlock Holmes Collection.

Doyle, A. C. (1976). The Complete Sherlock Holmes Treasury. New York, NY: Crown Publishing, Inc.

Everett, E., & Mathioudakis, N. (2018). Update on management of diabetic foot ulcers. Annals of The New York Academy of Sciences, 1411 (1), 153-165.

iThrive! Rising from the depths of diabetes & obesity (2018). Episode 3: Diabetes Decoded—Getting to the Root of the Problem. Retrieved March 3, 2018 from https://go.ithriveseries.com/episode-3-live-3j7tq0iyp

iThrive! Rising from the depths of diabetes & obesity (2018). Episode 7: Diabetes Decoded—Getting to the Root of the Problem. Retrieved March 5, 2018 from
https://go.ithriveseries.com/episode-7-live-xzp9zvdf

Mishra, S.C., Chhatbar, K.C., Kashikar, A., & Mehndiratta, A. (2017). Diabetic foot. British Medical Journal, 359, doi: 10.1136/bmj.j5064

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