Studies of Experimental Hosiery in Diabetic Neuropathic Patients with High Foot Pressures
Four patients with Type 1 diabetes and six patients with Type 2 diabetes (both groups had diminished sensation in their feet) participated in a longitudinal test of clinically-tested padded socks. Six of the patients had histories of prior ulceration. Diaries of padded sock wear were kept by participants, and dynamic pressure measurements using a pedobarograph were taken at inception, and at three months and six months after inception.
In the study population, the results were as follows:
- Pressure stress on diabetic neuropathic feet was reduced. Clinically-tested padded socks reduced peak foot pressures by 31 percent at base line.
- After six months of use, the products still reduced peak foot pressure by 17 percent.
Conclusion: The combination of clinically-tested padded socks and "sensible" depth shoes may be of a low-cost option in the care of the diabetic foot.