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Treatment of the diabetic foot by offloading: a systematic review

02 December 2022
Volume 6 · Issue 4

Abstract

Objective:

To compare the literature on the strengths and limitations of different offloading devices in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers.

Method:

Systematic review of the literature in the following databases: the Cumulative Index to Nursing an Allied Health Literature (CINAHL); Medline; Embase; Cochrane Library and Web of Knowledge. The search strategy used the terms: diabetic foot; orthosis/orthotic devices/orthoses; foot orthosis/foot orthoses; casts/plaster cast/surgical cast; shoes.

Results:

Our results identified 15 studies, which are included in this review. Healing rates, healing times and reduction in ulcer size were improved with the use of total contact casting, when compared with other offloading devices. The main adverse effects associated with the use of the device were infection, maceration and abrasion. Cost, compliance and quality of life issues were rarely included within the studies.

Conclusion:

Offloading is a key treatment strategy for the management of diabetic foot ulcers and total contact casts were found to be the most effective devices to achieve ulcer healing. However, they are not without complications and their impact on cost, compliance and quality of life is not well understood.

Pressure plays a central role in the development of diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) and its management becomes essential, not only to prevent the development of new ulcers but also to allow the healing process to take place.1,2,3,4,5,6,7 Pressure results from mechanical loading of the feet when the individual engages in activities such as walking and standing, exposing the plantar surface of the feet to reaction forces that act upon the foot tissue, causing compression and sometimes shear stress.5 This pressure and stress is aggravated by foot deformities such as hammer and claw toes, prominence of metatarsal heads, hallux valgus and limited joint mobility.1,5,8 For these reasons, offloading the foot and accommodating its deformities with the use of appropriate footwear is essential for the prevention and treatment of DFUs.5

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