Researchers at The University of Texas at Arlington Research Institute have developed a new shoe insole technology aimed at reducing the risk of diabetic foot ulcers. These ulcers are a dangerous complication of diabetes that can lead to hospitalization and amputations. The technology works by cyclically relieving pressure from different areas of the foot, providing periods of rest to the soft tissues and improving blood flow, which aims to maintain the health of the skin and tissues and reduce the risk of foot ulcers.
Diabetes affects about 39 million people in the U.S., and can damage the small blood vessels that supply blood to the nerves, leading to poor circulation and foot ulcers. Approximately one-third of people with diabetes develop foot ulcers during their lifetime, and more than 160,000 lower extremity amputations are performed annually in the U.S. due to complications from diabetic foot ulcers, costing the American health system about $30 billion a year. It is also noted that those with foot ulcers often die at younger ages than those without ulcers.
While there have been many shoe insoles created over the years to try to alleviate the problem of foot ulcers, studies have shown marginal success in preventing them. This new pressure-alternating shoe insole technology takes research a step further by providing periods of rest to the soft tissues and improving blood flow. The researchers hope that this approach will help maintain skin and tissue health and reduce the risk of developing diabetic foot ulcers, ultimately making a real difference in the lives of many people.
The researchers described their innovative insole technology in an article in the peer-reviewed International Journal of Lower Extremity Wounds. After a successful pilot project, the next step for the research team is to refine the technology to make it more accessible for users with varying weights and shoe sizes. The work was supported by a $229,480 grant from the National Institute of Aging of the National Institutes of Health, indicating the importance and potential impact of this research in the medical field.
The goal of this innovative insole technology is to address one of the most significant causes of diabetic foot ulcers, which is skin and soft tissue breakdown due to repetitive stress on the foot during walking. By providing periods of rest to the soft tissues and improving blood flow, the technology aims to reduce the risk of developing foot ulcers and prevent the need for amputations. Considering the impact of foot ulcers on individuals’ health and well-being, the researchers are excited about the potential difference this technology could make in the lives of many people who suffer from diabetes.
Overall, this new shoe insole technology developed by researchers at The University of Texas at Arlington Research Institute has the potential to significantly reduce the risk of diabetic foot ulcers, a dangerous complication of diabetes that can lead to hospitalization and amputations. By cyclically relieving pressure from different areas of the foot, the technology provides periods of rest to the soft tissues and improves blood flow, aiming to maintain skin and tissue health and ultimately make a real difference in the lives of those affected by diabetes.