Orthoses in diabetic foot treatment and prevention

Aim. To define the role of orthoses in the treatment and rehabilitation of patients with diabetic foot syndrome. Methods. The review of the literature addressing the use of special orthopedic shoes in the treatment and rehabilitation of patients with complicated diabetes mellitus was performed. Results. The common requirements for orthopedic shoes for patients with complicated diabetes mellitus are the following: (1) rigid sole with an artificial curvature; (2) boot-tree elevated by 8 mm due to arch supporter, adequate volume, wide sole, removable insole; (3) insole without functional memory; (4) thermally variable elastic material, advisably with silver ions, for the lining; (5) minimal number of sutures at the lining; (6) no elastic material at the front of the shoe and at the lining at the toes; (7) increased volume and enough space for the toes; (8) front slant of 15°; (9) potential ability to adjust the inner volume of the shoe; (10) hard counter - stabilizing hard back with additional softening at the lining side; (11) heel with a front slant or a solid sole without a heel; (12) smooth non-traumatic surface suitable for scrubbing including cleansing with antiseptics. The indications for orthopedic relief in patients with diabetic foot syndrome are explained. Economic superiority of organ-preserving approaches in such patients is shown. There is an opposition for conservative methods of treatment of patients with diabetic foot syndrome, nevertheless, an amputation can not be estimated as a positive treatment outcome in such patients. Almost 70-90% of ulcers in this group of patients are healed without amputation. Limb-saving treatment and the use of specially selected shoes are cheaper and more cost-effective compared to the limb loss. Conclusion. The use of orthopedic shoes in patients with diabetic foot syndrome is used both for treatment and rehabilitation. This technique can reduce the risk of ulceration and prevent organ-sparing surgeries.

diabetic foot syndrome, diabetic shoes, non-pharmacological treatment, rehabilitation