Quality of life of patients with diabetic foot syndrome, who receive individual orthopaedic insoles

Introduction
The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of the use of orthopaedic insoles on the quality of life of patients with diabetic foot syndrome. In addition, we aimed to learn about the subjective opinion of patients on the use of individual orthopaedic insoles in the treatment process, and to identify ailments that most inconvenience the daily functioning of patients with diabetic foot syndrome.

Material and methods
A questionnaire survey was conducted with the use of a proprietary tool consisting of 25 questions prepared based on the available literature. The WHOQoL-BREF form was used to examine the quality of life. The study was conducted during personal interviews with patients and telephone conversations. Statistical analysis was performed using statistical tests. The level of significance was p = 0.05, and the test statistics 0.05 < p.

Results
Sixty people participated in the study, 48% of whom were using an individual orthopaedic insole in the treatment process. The respondents indicated ailments that most hindered their functioning in everyday life. An analysis of the quality of life of patients using orthopaedic insoles was performed and compared with the results of those who did not use this method. The patients’ responses to questions concerning their subjective perception of the use of orthopaedic insoles in the treatment process were also analysed.

Conclusions
The quality of life of patients who underwent relief with orthopaedic insoles does not differ significantly from that of other patients. The quality of life is influenced by the feeling of pain and the feeling of independence. Patients subjectively positively assess the impact of using the inserts on their health.