Maintenance notice: Some features that submit or update information are temporarily disabled while we migrate the website. You can continue browsing normally. Thank you for your understanding.
The effect of removing plugs and adding arch support to foam based insoles on plantar pressures in people with diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
J Foot Ankle Res. 2013 Jul 29;6(1):29
Authors: Lin TL, Sheen HM, Chung CT, Yang SW, Lin SY, Luo HJ, Chen CY, Chan IC, Shih HS, Sheu WH
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Removable plug for patients with diabetic neuropathic feet to offload local plantar pressure. However, quantitative evidence of pressure reduction by means of plug removal is limited. The value of additional insole accessories, such as arch additions, has not been tested. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of removing plugs from foam based insoles, and subsequently adding extra arch support, on plantar pressures.
METHODS: In-shoe plantar pressure measurements were performed on 26 patients with diabetic neuropathic feet at a baseline condition, in order to identify the forefoot region with the highest mean peak pressure (MPP). This was defined as the region of interest (ROI) for plug removal.The primary outcome was measurement of MPP using the pedar(R) system in the baseline and another three insole conditions (pre-plug removal, post-plug removal, and post-plug removal plus arch support).
RESULTS: Among the 26 ROIs, a significant reduction in MPP (32.3%, P<0.001) was found after removing the insole plugs. With an arch support added, the pressure was further reduced (9.5%, P<0.001). There were no significant differences in MPP at non-ROIs between pre-and post-plug removal conditions.
CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that forefoot plantar pressure can be reduced by removing plugs and adding arch support to foam-based insoles. This style of insole may therefore be clinically useful in managing patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
PMID: 23895323 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
