Elevated plantar pressures in neuropathic diabetic patients with claw/hammer toe deformity.

Elevated plantar foot pressures during gait in diabetic patients with neuropathy have been suggested to result, among other factors, from the distal displacement of sub-metatarsal head (MTH) fat-pad cushions caused by to claw/hammer toe deformity. The purpose of this study was to quantitatively assess these associations. Thirteen neuropathic diabetic subjects with claw/hammer toe deformity, and 13 age- and gender-matched neuropathic diabetic controls without deformity, were examined.

A comparison of the 1-step, 2-step, and 3-step protocols for obtaining barefoot plantar pressure data in the diabetic neuropathic foot.

Background: Barefoot plantar pressure measurements are routinely used in the risk evaluation for ulceration in diabetic patients with neuropathy. The aim was to compare three step-protocols commonly used for pressure assessment in these patients.

Methods: Dynamic barefoot plantar pressures were measured in 14 diabetic neuropathic patients (vibration perception threshold >35 V) contacting a pressure platform on the first, second or third step after gait initiation.