The Usefulness of Therapeutic Diabetic Footwear and Insoles in Diabetic Foot Treatment- A Narrative Review

Orthosis and prosthesis is an expert knowledge in medical field including the design, fabrication and utilizing of orthosis and prosthesis. An orthosis is a device made of different types of material (plastic, aluminum, foam, leather, etc.) used externally on body segments to modify the structural or functional characteristics of musculoskeletal system to objectives such as: reducing pain, restriction or movements and redistribution of abnormal weight bearing pattern. Poor shoes fitting or abnormal friction may not be considered due to loss of senses in neuropathic diabetic patient. Untreating micro injuries may lead to ulceration and possibly even partial foot amputation. Deformities such as bunions, hammer toes, Charcot joint and also muscle weakness reported as secondary complications of neuropathy. It is suggested that in sub-acute stages of neuropathy with complication such as: Charcot joint, insensitive feet or muscles, orthotic prescription can be useful. The aim of this review was to assess the usefulness of therapeutic diabetic footwear (shoes) and insoles in treating diabetic foot.