The Importance of Plantar Pressure Measurements and Appropriate Footwear for Diabetic Patients

Abstract

Diabetic Mellitus results from failure of the endocrine system to regulate blood glucose level approximately of the population over the age of in developed countries are diagnosed with diabetes The number of people with diabetes is expected to reach million by Foot is the most frequent site of ulceration in individuals hospitalized for diabetes and infection Neuropathic plantar ulcerations result from repetitive stress over areas of high pressure associated with deformity or joint limitations Twenty to fifty percent of people with diabetes of more than years will experience symmetrical distal sensory neuropathy resulting in loss of sensation in lower extremity Footwear contributes greatly to the pressure distribution on the plantar surface of the foot Insoles and appropriate footwear were shown to reduce pressure and prevent plantar ulceration Studies showed a recurrence rates for chronic wounds in adults to be between and Studies showed a reduction in the recurrence rate of diabetic ulcer from to by using offloading technique using orthopedic shoe Insoles were found to have significant impact on the plantar pressure distribution they reduced the peak pressures and maximized the contact area compared with shoe only condition Plantar pressure measurements look at the pressure distribution between the foot plantar surface and the supporting surface Recent advances enable us to measure the pressures between the shoe or insole and the plantar foot during various activities This was proven useful in the diagnosis and management of pressure related foot problems This review article will look at the importance of plantar pressure measurements for identifying foot at risk of developing ulcer it will also look at the role of plantar pressure measurements in assessing the effect of proper footwear and insoles in dispersing the plantar pressure on the plantar surface of the foot Therefore reducing the probability of occurrence of ulcer and the recurrence of healed ulcers