The effectiveness of Thai traditional medicine-based interventions in reducing foot numbness among patients with diabetes mellitus

Abstract

The objectives of this research were to study the efficacy of a traditional Thai medicine approach for managing foot numbness and to assess patient satisfaction with this model. The sample group consisted of 30 patients with Type 2 diabetes experiencing foot numbness who received services at the Queen Sirikit 60^th Anniversary Health Promoting Hospital, Ban Na Sok, Mukdahan Province. Participants were selected using purposive sampling. The research employed a quasi−experimental design with a One Group Pretest−Posttest Design. The instruments used in the study included the intervention activities: the traditional Thai medicine foot numbness care program, which consisted of herbal foot soaks, reflexology massage, and foot exercises, administered 3 times a week for 3 consecutive weeks. Other instruments were a general information record form, the 10−gram monofilament test to assess sensory perception on the soles of the feet, a health behavior assessment form, and a satisfaction evaluation form. The research findings revealed that the majority of the sample were female (18 people, 60.00%), with ages ranging from 36 to 72 years (mean age 55.73 years, S.D. 10.32). The majority were married (21 people, 70.00%), completed primary education (20 people, 66.70%), and worked as farmers (26 people, 86.70%). After participating in the program, the level of foot numbness significantly decreased in the sample group (p<0.001). The mean numbness score prior to the experiment was 2.30 (S.D. 1.21) and decreased to 0.53 (S.D. 0.78) post-experiment. Health behaviors related to food consumption and exercise also significantly improved (p<0.001). These results indicate that the traditional Thai medicine approach to foot numbness care helps restore sensation in the soles of the feet and promotes healthy behaviors. Therefore, this model is suitable for application as an alternative approach in the care of diabetic patients experiencing foot numbness.