Diabetic foot ulceration is currently a serious medical problem and has, therefore,
attracted much research attention during the last two decades. Previous foot ulceration,
diabetic neuropathy, limited joint mobility, high plantar pressures, microangiopathy,
macroangiopathy and diabetic nephropathy have already been identified as risk factors
for future foot ulceration. Neuropathy has clearly been shown to be an essential permissive
factor in the development of ulceration in the non-ischaemic foot. Moreover, the pathogenetic
role of high plantar pressures is crucial in the presence of established clinical
neuropathy. Nowadays, our therapeutic efforts clearly aim to prevent than treat foot
ulcers. This demands specialist and team work in the setting up of a diabetic foot
clinic in an attempt to identify and educate the diabetic patients at risk and, where
possible to use suitable plantar pressure-reducing systems (footwear, hosiery etc.).
Then only would it be reasonable to postulate that a significant reduction in amputations
of diabetic aetiology could be achieved in the near future.
Key words
Diabetic Foot - Diabetic Neuropathy - Foot Ulceration - Plantar Pressures
