Staffordshire University logo
STORE - Staffordshire Online Repository

The effectiveness of footwear and other removable off-loading devices in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers: a systematic review.

HEALY, Aoife, NAEMI, Roozbeh and CHOCKALINGAM, Nachiappan (2014) The effectiveness of footwear and other removable off-loading devices in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers: a systematic review. Current diabetes reviews, 10 (4). pp. 215-30. ISSN 1875-6417

Full text not available from this repository. (Request a copy)

Abstract or description

AIM

To conduct a systematic review which examined the effectiveness of footwear and other removable off-loading devices as interventions for the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers or the alteration of biomechanical factors associated with ulcer healing and to discuss the quality and interpret the findings of research to date.

METHODS

The CINAHL, Medline and Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials databases were searched with seventeen articles identified for review.

RESULTS

Majority of the identified studies were randomised control trials which compared the ulcer healing rates of different footwear and other removable off-loading device interventions. Three categories of interventions were identified; 1) removable cast walkers (RCWs), 2) half or heel relief shoes and 3) therapeutic shoes. Most studies compared at least one intervention to a total contact cast (TCC). Factors which influenced study findings such as TCC application method, compliance, activity levels, and the footwear worn on the contralateral limb are discussed with recommendations provided for future studies.

CONCLUSION

Due to the lack of randomised controlled studies conducted in this area it is not currently possible to make strong conclusions on the interventions effectiveness. However, it appears the currently available therapeutic shoes were the least effective intervention followed by half or heel relief shoes. RCWs were found to be the most effective of the removable devices.

Item Type: Article
Faculty: Previous Faculty of Health Sciences > Psychology, Sport and Exercise
Depositing User: Nachiappan CHOCKALINGAM
Date Deposited: 22 Sep 2016 09:15
Last Modified: 24 Feb 2023 13:43
URI: https://eprints.staffs.ac.uk/id/eprint/2441

Actions (login required)

View Item View Item

DisabledGo Staffordshire University is a recognised   Investor in People. Sustain Staffs
Legal | Freedom of Information | Site Map | Job Vacancies
Staffordshire University, College Road, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire ST4 2DE t: +44 (0)1782 294000