Shoe and Bracing Considerations for the Insensate Foot: Shoe considerations for diabetic foot

Abstract

Diabetic individuals with peripheral neuropathy are at risk for the development of foot ulcers due to musculoskeletal abnormalities and abnormal loading in the gait cycle leading to elevated plantar pressures. To prevent diabetic foot ulcers, practitioners should regularly screen patients for the presence of neuropathy as well as neuroarthropathies and prescribe the appropriate shoes and orthotics based on the best available clinical evidence. Although not widely available, there is potential for data-driven customization of orthotics and shoe wear based on plantar pressure data to prevent the development of diabetic foot ulcers more effectively, and ultimately prevent lower limb amputations.

Keywords: Diabetic neuropathy; Prevention of diabetic foot ulcers; Shoe modifications.