Effectiveness of insole in reducing plantar pressure and impruving gait on diabetic patient (2007)

Abstract

This study presents the effect of three orthotics treatment techniques in reducing metatarsal head, heel and toes pressure during walking. A pressure measurement study was carried out in a diabetic patients group wearing four insoles, including the insole, which was designed by the computer model proposed in this project. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect on plantar pressure distribution in different insoles prescribed and manufactured with various techniques on a random group of patients with diabetes mellitus in the early stages of the disease. Four different types of insoles were made by methods available on the market and a computer model proposed on this project was used in order to design and manufacture the insole. It is well documented that subjects with peripheral neurpathy resulting from diabetes mellitus are at an increased risk of developing foot ulceration. Decreased sensation, in combination with high underfoot pressures, has been identified as a prime aetiology factor in thee cause of plantar naturopathic ulceration. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2007.