If a surgeon in the developed world finds himself facing the unpleasant task of amputating a foot, he can be fairly certain, without having to ask, that his patient is a Diabetic. Currently, 15% of all Diabetics will require foot amputation as a result of foot ulcers.
Diabetics are susceptible to ulcers, particularly in the extremities of their bodies, due to Diabetes impairing the body’s ability to heal minor wounds. Now, however, a Swedish study has reported that such ulcers can be prevented through the use of simple shoe inserts.
Orthotic researchers at Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, experts in the field of feet, have concluded that “inserts effectively distribute pressure under the sole in order to minimize the risk of ulcers."
Not only is this good news for those suffering the disease, but the introduction of this minimalist treatment will save a good deal of money for hospitals; an amputation costs one thousand times the amount that a shoe insert does.
These findings are to be presented at the International Conference on Prosthetics and Orthotics in Hyderabad, India, this February.
