INTRODICTION: Diabetic foot is the most common complication of diabetes mellitus, which is characterized as the leading cause of non-traumatic amputation of lower limbs. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of a physiotherapy intervention on the prevention of diabetic foot. MATERIALS ANS METHODS: An intervention study was carried out with 24 patients, randomly selected, registered in the CAIS Diabetes Program - Jaguaribe, João Pessoa (PB). Data were collected through a physiotherapy assessment form and structured questionnaires, applied before and after intervention. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS. For dichotomous variables, the McNemar test was adopted, considering p < 0.05 as statistically significant. RESULTS: After intervention, changes in relation to the habit of walking barefoot (p = 0.003), to examine the feet frequently (p = 0.006), not using the practice of hot footbath (p = 0.013) and drying feet properly (p = 0.016) were observed. Regarding the use of appropriate footwear and therapeutic massage on feet, proper hydration and the detection and resolution of any changes in the feet, intervention had a significant impact (p < 0.001). All users (100%) considered feet exercises beneficial (p < 0.001), making it a frequent habit. CONCLUSION: The results showed that physiotherapy interventions with emphasis on health education was an essential tool to raise awareness and change habits and attitudes that endangered the patients' feet.
Diabetes mellitus; Diabetic foot; Physical therapy modalities
