Influence of an individual orthopedic equipment on the condition of a foot with neuropathic diabetic foot syndrome

Aim of the study: The influence of an individual orthopedic equipment on the condition of the foot with neuropathic diabetic foot syndrome. The purpose of the work was to evaluate individual orthopedic equipment impact on the condition of the foot with neuropathic diabetic foot syndrome.

Material and methods: The study group consisted of 50 persons (43 men, 7 women) at the average age of 58.18 (min. 38, max. 77) with type 1 diabetes (11 persons) and type 2 diabetes (39 persons) lasting on average for 16.5 years (min. 3, max. 34) in whom the diabetic neuropathy has been diagnosed. The pedobarography study was performed in all patients. For each patient, individual orthopedic insoles were prepared. Subsequently, the impact of insole usage on the foot condition was evaluated.

Results: The most common sore localization was metatarsus – for 22 patients (64.71%). For 13 persons (26%) reduction of callus on the feet was observed. In 4 patients (12.12%) the existing sore grew and in 7 persons (14%) a new sore occurred (for most of them, the sore occurred in the toes area). The most common effect was an increase in walking comfort when individual orthopedic insoles were used. Most of patients (56%) observed a general improvement of feet condition when using individual orthopedic insoles.

Conclusion: Presented results confirm a beneficial impact of individual orthopedic insoles on the healing process and prevention of DFS.