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At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Sonography of the sole of the foot. Evidence for loss of foot pad thickness in diabetes and its relationship to ulceration of the foot.

The hypothesis that loss of tissue mass in the foot contributes to foot ulceration in diabetics has never been quantitated. We developed normal criteria for the thickness of the sole of the foot at the heel, and the five metatarsal heads of both feet, using high-resolution ultrasound (10 MHz). We studied 24 normal patients ranging in weight from 125 to 250 lbs. We examined the soles of the feet of 38 diabetics without foot ulcers and 11 diabetics with foot ulcers or a history of foot ulcers who were in the same weight range as the normals. Of statistical significance, the heel thickness in controls was greater than that of the diabetics, which in turn was greater than that of the diabetics with foot ulcers. The thickness of the sole over the first and second metatarsals was also greater in the controls compared with diabetics. We conclude that high-resolution ultrasound is an effective determinant of the thickness of the sole of the foot and that diabetics have variations from the norm in the heel and at the first and second metatarsal heads.

Adipose Tissue↗

Diabetic foot disorders. A clinical practice guideline. For the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons and the American College of Foot and Ankle Orthopedics and Medicine.

Foot ulcerations, infections, and Charcot neuropathic osteoarthropathy are three serious foot complications of diabetes mellitus that can too frequently lead to gangrene and lower limb amputation. Consequently, foot disorders are one of the leading causes of hospitalization for persons with diabetes and can account for expenditures in the billions of dollars annually in the U.S. alone. Although not all foot complications can be prevented, dramatic reductions in their frequency have been obtained through the implementation of a multidisciplinary team approach to patient management. Using this concept, the authors present a Clinical Practice Guideline for diabetic foot disorders based on currently available evidence. The underlying pathophysiology and treatment of diabetic foot ulcers, infections, and the diabetic Charcot foot are thoroughly reviewed. Although these guidelines cannot and should not dictate the standard of care for all affected patients, they are intended to provide evidence-based guidance for general patterns of practice. The goal of a major reduction in diabetic limb amputations is certainly possible if these concepts are embraced and incorporated into patient management protocols.

Arthropathy, Neurogenic↗

Comprehensive analysis of energy storing prosthetic feet: Flex Foot and Seattle Foot Versus Standard SACH foot.

This study compared the mechanical and biomechanical functions, metabolic demand, and shock absorption of two dynamic elastic response (DER) prosthetic foot designs with the SACH foot. Nine individuals who had undergone unilateral below knee amputation were studied. Mechanical properties of the feet were related to gait biomechanics. Forefoot compliance is greatest for the Flex Foot and least for the SACH foot, hence, Flex Foot demonstrates (1) the longest midstance phase, (2) the greatest ankle angle range, and (3) greater forward movement of the center of pressure. There was some evidence that the DER feet produced a better push-off. However, neither the self-selected walking speed nor the metabolic rate or efficiency over a spectrum of walking speeds (73 to 120m/min) and running speeds (140 to 200m/min) was significantly different. Because no energy savings resulted for the DER feet, the release of stored energy in the flexible feet may not occur at the proper time to assist in ambulation as a result of the natural frequency of oscillation.

Adult↗

Behavior in self-care of the foot and foot ulcers in Thai non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus.

A cross sectional study was conducted to examine behavior in self-care of the foot and foot ulcers in Thai non-insulin dependent diabetic patients. Fifty-five patients with foot ulcers (ulcer group; 42 females and 13 males) and 110 patients without foot ulcers (control group; 83 females and 27 males) were evaluated for self foot-care behavior using a questionnaire consisting of questions about foot inspection, foot cleaning, nail-care, and the use of footwear which possessed a total score of 20. The results showed that a mean total self foot-care score of the ulcer group was significantly lower than that of the control group (14.50 +/- 3.35 vs 15.74 +/- 2.31; p < 0.01). The patients with foot ulcers had lower mean scores in all of the four self foot-care categories than did those without foot ulcers. However, only the difference in foot cleaning score was statistically significant (7.35 +/- 0.21 vs 7.88 +/- 0.11; p < 0.05). A univariate analysis has shown that the risk of developing foot ulcers was significantly associated with a total self foot-care score of less than 15 with an odd ratio of 2.6 and a 95 per cent confidence interval of 1.3-5.6. Regarding the behavior in self foot ulcer-care, 45.5 per cent of the diabetic patients with foot ulcers had neglected them and 54.5 per cent had inappropriately cared for their ulcers. In conclusion, Thai non-insulin dependent diabetic patients with foot ulcers understood less about self foot-care practice than did those without foot ulcers. Incorrect self foot-care behavior particularly foot cleaning is associated with an increased risk of foot ulceration. In addition, diabetic patients should be advised about the correct self-care of their feet and foot ulcers in order to prevent foot ulceration and its complications.

Chi-Square Distribution↗

A comparative study of foot dimension between adult male and female and evaluation of foot hazards due to using of footwear.

Using footwear often becomes troublesome and creates many problems. Most of these problems are associated with the wearing of ill-fitting footwear, as it leads to biomechanical imbalance and ultimately give rise to different foot problems. In the present investigation different foot problems, viz., discomfort, pain and other hazards related to the use of footwear have been evaluated and attempts have been made to study different foot dimensions of men and women that are related to the design of footwear. For the present study different foot dimensions of both right and left feet of the subjects were measured on 300 Bengalee (Indian) subjects having the age range of 20-35 years. The subjects reported that they had got discomfort, pain, blister and corn due to using different footwear. It was noted that the occurrence of these problems in right foot was greater than that in left foot. There was no significant correlation between foot troubles and type of footwear. Results also showed that there was no significant difference in most of the foot dimensions between left foot and right foot. However, significant difference (P < 0.001) in all foot dimensions was observed between male and female subjects. Correlation coefficient among different foot dimensions has also been evaluated and it was noted that foot length was highly correlated with stature and foot volume, particularly in left foot. Footwear should be made according to the foot dimensions of the user population. The database collected from the Bengalee (Indian) population may be a helpful guide for manufacturing different footwear.

Adult↗

A prospective study of risk factors for diabetic foot ulcer. The Seattle Diabetic Foot Study.

OBJECTIVE: Little prospective research exists on risk factors for diabetic foot ulcer that considers the independent effects of multiple potential etiologic agents. We prospectively studied the effects of diabetes characteristics, foot deformity, behavioral factors, and neurovascular function on foot ulcer risk among 749 diabetic veterans with 1,483 lower limbs. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Eligible subjects included all diabetic enrollees of a general internal medicine clinic without foot ulcer, of whom 83% agreed to participate. Baseline assessment included history and lower-limb physical examination, tests for sensory and autonomic neuropathy, and measurements of macro- and microvascular perfusion in the foot. Subjects were followed for the occurrence of a full thickness skin defect on the foot that took > 14 days to heal, with a mean follow-up of 3.7 years. RESULTS: Using stepwise Cox regression analysis, the following factors were independently related to foot ulcer risk: foot insensitivity to the 5.07 monofilament (relative risk [95% CI]) 2.2 (1.5-3.1), past history of amputation 2.8 (1.8-4.3) or foot ulcer 1.6 (1.2-2.3), insulin use 1.6 (1.1-2.2), Charcot deformity 3.5 (1.2-9.9), 15 mmHg higher dorsal foot transcutaneous PO2 0.8 (0.7-0.9), 20 kg higher body weight 1.2 (1.1-1.4), 0.3 higher ankle-arm index 0.8 (0.7-1.0), poor vision 1.9 (1.4-2.6), and 13 mmHg orthostatic blood pressure fall 1.2 (1.1-1.5). Higher ulcer risk was associated with hammer/claw toe deformity and history of laser photocoagulation in certain subgroups. Unrelated to foot ulcer risk in multivariate models were diabetes duration and type, race, smoking status, diabetes education, joint mobility, hallux blood pressure, and other foot deformities. CONCLUSIONS: Certain foot deformities, reduced skin oxygenation and foot perfusion, poor vision, greater body mass, and both sensory and autonomic neuropathy independently influence foot ulcer risk, thereby providing support for a multifactorial etiology for diabetic foot ulceration.

Amputation, Surgical↗

Relationship of limited joint mobility to abnormal foot pressures and diabetic foot ulceration.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of limited joint mobility (LJM) in causing abnormal foot pressures and foot ulceration. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: The subjects were recruited from a general diabetes clinic where patients were screened for neuropathy, retinopathy, and elevated plantar foot pressure. Sixty-four patients in five groups were matched by age and sex in the following groups: group 1, patients with LJM and neuropathy; group 2, nonneuropathic diabetic patients with LJM; group 3, patients with neuropathy and no LJM; group 4, diabetic control subjects; and group 5, nondiabetic control subjects. Joint mobility was assessed in the foot at subtalar and metatarsophalangeal joints; plantar foot pressures were assessed by optical pedobarography and neuropathic status by a Biothesiometer and electrophysiology. RESULTS: Joint mobility was reduced at both sites in groups 1 and 2 compared with groups 3, 4, and 5 (P less than 0.001). Plantar foot pressures were significantly higher in groups 1 and 2 compared with groups 3, 4, and 5 (P less than 0.001). No differences in plantar foot pressures were observed between groups 1 and 2. There were strong correlations between plantar foot pressures and joint mobility in the foot (r = -0.7, P less than 0.001). Previous foot ulceration was present in 65% of patients in group 1, none in group 2, and 5% in group 3. CONCLUSIONS: 1) LJM may be a major factor in causing abnormally high plantar foot pressures, 2) abnormal plantar foot pressures alone do not lead to foot ulceration, and 3) LJM contributes to foot ulceration in the susceptible neuropathic foot.

Ankle Joint↗

An examination of the relationship between foot length, foot breath, ball girth, height and weight of Turkish university students aged between 17 and 25.

In this study the relationship between foot length, foot breadth, ball girth or foot circumference, height and weight of Turkish students aged between 17 and 25 was examined. It was noted that in both sexes the correlation between foot length and height was more significant than the correlation between foot length and weight. When the percentage ratio of foot breadth and ball girth to foot length is calculated in both sexes, the percentage ratio in students with longer feet turned out to be smaller. However, it was found that foot breadth and ball girth of the male students in the same foot length category were greater than in the female students. The comparison of right foot length and ball girth in the same foot length category in Turkish, French and Japanese indicated that there was a similarity between Turkish and French with regard to foot breadth. The ball girth of the individuals from these three different populations were quite different from each other. It was observed that the average foot length of the Turkish was larger than that of both French and Japanese. The following conclusions can be drawn from this study: 1. Foot breath, ball girth and foot length can be regarded as three separate elements. 2. These three elements are to be precisely known for the optimal manufacturing of shoe lasts. 3. Apart from the above mentioned three elements, both individual and racial differences must also be considered concerning an optimal manufacturing of shoe lasts.

Adolescent↗

Analysis of foot shape variation based on the medial axis of foot outline.

The variations in foot outline forms are analyzed by using flexion angles of the medial axis of foot outline. Foot outline and 12 conventional measurements taken on the right foot of 443 male and 297 female subjects with no visible pathological deformation of the foot were used for analyses. The results indicate that the foot is outflared in most of the subjects. Medial bulge and lateral concavity of foot outline are responsible for the foot outflare, and they are not correlated with each other. Medial bulge is due to the overhang of navicular bone that is caused by the pronation of the foot. Its intensity is negatively correlated with dorsal arch height. Lateral concavity is partly due to the abduction of talus and calcaneus relative to the tarsometatarsal bones anterior to them. These three-dimensional morphological characteristics of outflared feet intimately relate to the fit and comfort of the shoe. The flexion angles of medial axis of foot outline provide a useful tool in morphological analysis of the foot for the following reasons; (1) they carry the information on the three-dimensional foot shape that cannot be represented by conventional measurements; and (2) the data is easily obtained and calculations are easily made with minimum expense.

Adult↗

The effect of foot structure on the three-dimensional kinematic coupling behavior of the leg and rear foot.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Differences in foot structures have been reported to account for the large variability in findings in previous studies that have examined the relationship between foot structure and the interdependent rotations of the lower extremity. The purpose of this study was to determine, in individuals with radiographically distinct foot structures, the effect of foot structure on three-dimensional kinematic behavior of the leg and rear foot during running. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Based on radiographic measurements, 10 recreational runners were assigned to a low rear-foot group and another 10 recreational runners were assigned to a high rear-foot group. Three-dimensional kinematic data were collected during treadmill running. Individual axis rotations and the "coupled" relationship between the leg and rear-foot segments were defined using a Cardan angle system of three ordered rotations. RESULTS: The predominant rotations suggest a combined subtalar and talocalcaneal joint axis to favor calcaneal eversion and inversion for the low rear-foot group and tibial medial and lateral rotation for the high rear-foot group. Group differences were also found for the coupling ratio, which described the proportion of calcaneal eversion and inversion transferred or coupled to tibial axial rotation. CONCLUSION AND DISCUSSION: The rotational patterns and coupling response unique to each foot group may enhance our understanding of lower-extremity injuries related to certain foot structures. An assessment of the coupling relationship in combination with traditional frontal-plane measurements may better guide decisions regarding selection of footwear and orthoses.

Adolescent↗

Foot bearing pressure in patients with unilateral diabetic foot ulcers.

Foot ulceration due to neuropathy is a serious cause of morbidity in diabetes. Ulceration usually occurs at the part of the foot subjected to excessive mechanical pressure. A more generalized increase in pressure under the feet has also been shown to be a feature of many patients with diabetic neuropathy. In this study the electrodynogram was used to measure the pressure at seven positions under each foot. The maximum vertical foot bearing pressure was found to be higher in 11 diabetic patients with previously healed unilateral foot ulcers (10.6 +/- 5.9 kg cm-2) than in 11 diabetic patients who did not have such a history (4.2 +/- 1.3 kg cm-2). However there was no difference in pressure between the foot with previous ulceration and the contralateral foot (9.7 +/- 6.8 kg cm-2, 11.6 +/- 7.9 kg cm-2). Vertical foot bearing pressure was decreased by an average of 18% by wearing shoes padded with a Professional Protective Technology insole and the decrease was greater in patients with higher foot pressure. These results showed that increased vertical foot pressure is an important, but not the only, factor in determining the occurrence of foot ulcer.

Body Weight↗

Dynamics of below-knee child amputee gait: SACH foot versus Flex foot.

Gait kinematics and dynamics during stance of unilateral, below-knee child amputees were analyzed for self-selected, comfortable (0.9 m s-1) and fast (1.3 m s-1) speeds with the SACH foot and the energy-storing Flex-foot prostheses. The three-dimensional movements of the lower limbs were recorded and synchronized with ground reaction forces for 12 subjects (7 girls and 5 boys, ages 6-16 yr). Each lower limb was modeled as a set of interconnected rigid links (thigh, leg, and foot) with frictionless joints (hip, knee, and ankle) to calculate moment and joint power profiles. Marked asymmetries were noted in ground reaction force, joint moment, and power profiles for the prosthetic versus the natural limb, but with the Flex foot the asymmetries were less pronounced than with the SACH foot. For the amputee wearing the Flex foot, greater moments and power were generated by the natural limb at the comfortable pace as compared to the SACH foot, but during fast walking, the SACH foot required greater output from the natural limb. With both prostheses, for the prosthetic limb the amputees used similar force, moment, and power patterns, but with significantly different amplitudes. At both speeds of walking, the Flex foot returned significantly more energy (66% at comfortable and 70% at fast walking) than the SACH foot (21% at comfortable and 19% at fast walking). Thus, the Flex foot had a greater potential for reducing the energy cost of walking at comfortable and fast speeds for the below-knee child amputee.

Adolescent↗

Foot education improves knowledge and satisfaction among patients at high risk for diabetic foot ulcer.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate an intensive diabetes foot education program for veterans at high risk for foot ulcer. METHODS: We invited 100 consecutive patients with diabetes from a Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center clinic who were insensate to the Semmes-Weinstein 5.07 monofilament to participate in a foot care education program. Two sessions were conducted by a nurse diabetes educator 3 months apart. Multiple educational approaches were used to teach patients foot self-examination, foot washing, proper footwear, and encouragement in enlisting proper physician foot care. Knowledge and satisfaction with care was measured before and after each visit. RESULTS: The 34 patients who attended both education sessions improved their foot care knowledge over the course of the program. After the second session, the mean improvement over baseline was 14%. These patients also reported improved satisfaction with foot care; mean improvement was 33%. CONCLUSIONS: An intensive education program improved the foot care knowledge and behavior of high-risk patients. Those who adhered to a foot care education program were more satisfied with their foot care than prior to the program. Ways to improve accessibility of education sessions must be explored.

Adult↗

Biomechanical evaluation of foot pressure and loading force during gait in rheumatoid arthritic patients with and without foot orthosis.

Foot orthoses are commonly used in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) to support the foot and relieve pain, however little is known about the biomechanical effects of in-shoe foot orthoses in reducing or redistributing high pressures and loading forces. The purpose of this study was to compare the foot pressures and loading forces during gait in rheumatoid arthritic patients and healthy subjects, and evaluate the biomechanical effects of the foot orthoses in the RA patients. Twelve female RA patients with foot pain in walking, all Steinbrocker class II, and 8 healthy women without foot pain were matched for age. Foot pressures and loading forces with and without orthoses were measured using the F-Scan program. The pressure distributions and loading forces were standardized by the body weight and compared, and the effects of the foot orthoses were evaluated. The foot orthoses of RA patients provided higher pressure reduction than those of the control group (3.00 +/- 0.38 g/cm2/BW and 3.29 +/- 0.29 g/cm2/BW respectively, p < 0.001). Similar redistribution of plantar pressures and loading forces were found between two groups but the RA patients had a greater change at the stance phase of gait (p < 0.0001). The foot orthosis produces greater pressure and loading force relief and redistribution in RA patients than in normal subjects.

Adult↗

The North-West Diabetes Foot Care Study: incidence of, and risk factors for, new diabetic foot ulceration in a community-based patient cohort.

AIMS: To determine the incidence of, and clinically relevant risk factors for, new foot ulceration in a large cohort of diabetic patients in the community healthcare setting. METHODS: Diabetic patients (n = 9710) underwent foot screening in six districts of North-west England in various healthcare settings. All were assessed at baseline for demographic information, medical and social history, neuropathy symptom score, neuropathy disability score, cutaneous pressure perception (insensitivity to the 10 g monofilament), foot deformities, and peripheral pulses. Two years later, patients were followed up via postal questionnaire to determine the incidence of new foot ulcers. Cox's proportional hazards regression analysis was used to determine the independent, relative risk of baseline variables for new foot ulceration. RESULTS: New foot ulcers occurred in 291/6613 patients who completed and returned their 2-year follow-up questionnaire (2.2% average annual incidence). The following factors were independently related to new foot ulcer risk: ulcer present at baseline (relative risk (95% confidence interval)) 5.32 (3.71-7.64), past history of ulcer 3.05 (2.16-4.31), abnormal neuropathy disability score (> or = 6/10) 2.32 (1.61-3.35), any previous podiatry attendance 2.19 (1.50-3.20), insensitivity to the 10 g monofilament 1.80 (1.36-2.39), reduced pulses 1.80 (1.40-2.32), foot deformities 1.57 (1.22-2.02), abnormal ankle reflexes 1.55 (1.01-2.36) and age 0.99 (0.98-1.00). CONCLUSIONS: More than 2% of community-based diabetic patients develop new foot ulcers each year. The neuropathy disability score, 10 g monofilament and palpation of foot pulses are recommended as screening tools in general practice.

Adolescent↗

The acute effects of intermittent pneumatic foot versus calf versus simultaneous foot and calf compression on popliteal artery hemodynamics: a comparative study.

INTRODUCTION: Intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) is currently being investigated with respect to its effect on distal arterial volume flow in patients with peripheral vascular disease. Recently published data have shown a substantial acute enhancement in arterial calf inflow in response to IPC of the lower limb in both intermittent claudication and leg ischemia. PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to compare the immediate effects of intermittent pneumatic foot (IPC(foot)) versus calf (IPC(calf)) versus simultaneous foot and calf compression (IPC(foot+calf)) on popliteal artery hemodynamics in patients with intermittent claudication (Fontaine II) and in normal subjects, using duplex ultrasonography. For this purpose, 25 limbs of 20 healthy subjects (age range [mean], 51-74 [64] years) and 31 limbs of 25 claudicants (age range [mean], 56-81 [66.5] years; resting ankle-brachial indices, 0.38-0.75 [0.55]) were examined in the sitting position with and without IPC compression. RESULTS: Mean popliteal artery flow in healthy subjects increased by 98.8% on application of IPC(foot), 188% with IPC(calf), and 274% with IPC(foot+calf) (all P <.001). Mean flow in claudicants increased by 58% on application of IPC(foot), 132% with IPC(calf), and 174% with IPC(foot+calf) (all P <.001). The mean velocity, peak systolic velocity, and end diastolic velocity displayed a pattern of change similar to that for volume flow in both groups. Pulsatility index decreased in both groups on application of IPC; the lowest values were generated with IPC(foot+calf). CONCLUSION: Of the three compression modes investigated, IPC(foot+calf) was the most effective means of acutely augmenting arterial calf inflow in arteriopaths and normals. The significant increase in end diastolic velocity and decrease in pulsatility index indicate that peripheral vasodilatation is the central mechanism in this impulse-related flow augmentation. Prospective trials are indicated to determine the clinical potential of the long-term effects of IPC(foot+calf) in patients with symptomatic peripheral vascular disease.

Aged↗

Cyclic h-reflex modulation in resting forearm related to contractions of foot movers, not to foot movement.

During rhythmic voluntary oscillations of the foot, the excitability of the H-reflex in the Flexor Carpi Radialis (FCR) muscle of the resting prone forearm increases during the foot plantar-flexion and decreases during dorsiflexion. It is known that, when the two extremities are moved together, isodirectional (in-phase) coupling is the preferred form of movement association. Thus the above pattern of the H-reflex excitability modulation may favor the preferred coupling between the two limbs. To gain some clues about its origin, FCR H-reflex excitability was tested before and after modifying the phase relations between the activation [electromyogram (EMG)] of foot movers and foot movement, either by loading of the foot or by changing the movement frequency. After foot loading, the movement cycle was consistently delayed with respect to the onset of the EMG in Soleus (Sol) or Tibialis Anterior (TA) muscles. Simultaneously, the FCR H-reflex modulation advanced by that same amount with respect to the foot movement, thus remaining phase-locked to the EMG onsets. Similarly, when movement frequency was varied step-wise between 1.0 and 2.0 Hz, the foot movement was progressively delayed with respect to both the EMG onset (Sol and TA) and the FCR H-reflex modulation, so that the phase relation between the motor command to the foot and the H-modulation in the forearm remained constant. These results suggest that modulation of H-reflex in the forearm is tied to leg muscle contraction, rather than to foot kinematics, and point to a central, rather than kinesthetic, origin for the modulation.

Biomechanical Phenomena↗

Foot care practices, services and perceptions of risk among medicare beneficiaries with diabetes at high and low risk for future foot complications.

A cohort of Medicare beneficiaries with diabetes was identified from inpatient and outpatient claims data and their risk for foot complications was estimated based on claims reflecting services for recent foot problems. A telephone survey of a random sample from this cohort was conducted to assess their foot care practices, barriers, and perceptions of risk. Eight percent of respondents reported a history of foot ulcers and 7% a history of lower extremity amputation. Based on claims data, 30% of respondents were at high risk for future foot complications. Compared to those at low risk, those at high risk were more likely to report having an annual foot exam, using protective footwear, and perceiving themselves to be high risk for future foot complications. However, 50% of those with claims indicating a high risk perceived themselves to be at low risk for future foot complications. Overall, 20% of respondents seldom checked their feet daily for sores or irritations. Among this group, 60% felt that it was unimportant and 9% reported they were limited by poor vision or physical problems. Our findings suggest that strategies are needed to improve the delivery of preventive foot care services to older persons with diabetes. Additionally, emphasis is needed to help individuals understand their risk and seek and perform appropriate preventive foot care.

Aged↗