On diabetic foot, wound healing, amputation prevention, and the merger of consumer tech with medical devices
A cost-effectiveness analysis of the DIAFOS trial shows that in-shoe plantar pressure-guided custom footwear saves over €8,000 per ulcer prevented — and adherent patients push the probability of cost-effectiveness to 94%. The economic case for prevention just got stronger.
A new bibliometric analysis from Wei and colleagues at Capital Medical University in Beijing maps 25 years (2000–2024) of global research on plantar pressure and diabetic foot ulcers — over 2,100 publications indexed in the Web of Science Core Collection. The findings tell a story that will feel familiar to many of us who have... Continue Reading →
Journal of Biomechanics Available online 3 January 2025 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2025.112502 A Step Forward in Diabetic Footwear Research In an illuminating study led by L.E. Vossen, S.A. Bus, and J.J. Van Netten, our Dutch colleagues have taken an important conceptual step in redefining how we evaluate footwear designed for people with diabetes. Published in the Journal of Biomechanics,... Continue Reading →
A study published in The Foot explores the effects of sensorimotor training with an unstable shoe construction (USC) on barefoot pressure distribution in diabetic patients. The randomized controlled trial involved diabetic and non-diabetic groups, examining changes in foot pressure and contact times after a six-week training period. Key Findings: Reduced Pressure: Both diabetic and non-diabetic... Continue Reading →
A recent study led by our Greek and Maltese colleagues Claire Saliba Thorne et al., published in the International Journal of Lower Extremity Wounds, demonstrates the efficacy of a new in-shoe pressure and temperature monitoring device in preventing diabetic foot re-ulceration. The study included 88 participants with Type 2 diabetes and a history of plantar... Continue Reading →
Great work from Lepesis and coworkers This study evaluated the effects of foot and ankle physical therapy on ankle and first metatarsophalangeal joint range of motion (ROM), peak plantar pressures (PPPs), and balance in people with diabetes, neuropathy, and joint stiffness. The study involved multiple sources for data collection like MEDLINE, EBSCO, Cochrane Database of... Continue Reading →
This compelling work from our plastic surgery toemigos from Kobe and Tokyo. It is similar work to what Dr. Manish Bharara and I did -- just to an entirely new clinical level. High plantar flexor moment and limited ankle mobility are known to cause high plantar pressure under the forefoot. Stretching is an effective physical... Continue Reading →
Site-Specific, Critical Threshold Barefoot Peak Plantar Pressure Associated with Diabetic Foot Ulcer History: A Novel Approach to Determine DFU Risk in the Clinical Setting Excellent, pragmatic work from our Mancunian colleagues, Caroline Abbott and coworkers. Background and Objectives: Barefoot peak plantar pressures (PPPs) are elevated in diabetes patients with neuropathic foot ulcer (DFU) history; however, there... Continue Reading →
While only about 10-15% of the patients had peripheral neuropathy and were, therefore, at risk for ulceration, these data from Ren and coworkers are nonetheless compelling. Perhaps a subsequent study for high risk patients? Objective: Exercise has been reported to be beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes (T2DM), but exercise, especially weight-bearing exercise, may increase... Continue Reading →
Terrific work by our colleagues from Kobe, Tokyo, Nara and Osaka, respectively! High plantar pressure is a risk factor for diabetic foot ulcers, and it is known that restriction of ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM) causes high plantar pressure. Stretching is a non-invasive and general means to improve ROM; however, the effect of stretching... Continue Reading →
