Average clinician can alleviate mechanical stress from the diabetic foot

Fortunately, the average clinician can alleviate mechanical stress from the diabetic foot by acquiring a sound knowledge of the principles of foot mechanics and understanding the clinical methods used to correct biomechanical abnormality. The treatment pathway provided in this chapter will not include plantar pressure or shear stress evaluation due to the reasons described above.

Biomechanical factors for foot ulceration:

Majority of foot ulcers have a biomechanical etiology.

Elevated peak shear stress and plantar pressure are major factors.

Shear stress contributes to neuropathic injury.

Reduction in shear stress and peak plantar pressure helps in healing of ulcers and prevents ulcer recurrence.

Red is high pressure