The Effect of Foot Self-Massage on Peripheral Neuropathic Pain, Peripheral Skin Temperature and Patient Comfort in Individuals with Diabetes: A Randomized Controlled Trial

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of foot self-massage on peripheral neuropathic pain, peripheral skin temperature and patient comfort in individuals with diabetes. Methods: The sample of the study consisted of 52 individuals with type 2 diabetes (26 self foot massage group and 26 control group) between August 2021 and July 2022. Individuals in the foot self-massage group performed a foot massage for 30 minutes (15 minutes for each foot) three times a week for four weeks after training. Data were collected using an Individual Description Form, a Visual Analog Scale (VAS), the DN4 Pain Questionnaire and the General Comfort Scale-Short Form and peripheral skin temperature was measured. The data were evaluated using the Independent Sample-t test, Paired Sample-t test, Mann-Whitney U test, and Wilcoxon test. Continuity correction and Pearson-χ2 (chi-square) tests were used to compare categorical variables. Results: In this study, it was found that foot self-massage did not affect the peripheral neuropathic pain level of the patients, but the mean pain (VAS) scores of the patients in the foot massage group significantly decreased compared to the patients in the control groups. In addition, it was found that foot self-massage did not affect patients’ peripheral skin temperature and patient comfort. Conclusion: It is recommended that foot massage, which can be applied by itself without time and place restrictions, be learned by patients and supported by health professionals because it is easy to apply, practical and economical.