Weight-Bearing Exercise and Foot Health in Native Americans.

Diabetes contributes to sensory peripheral neuropathy, which has been linked to lower limb abnormalities that raise the risk for foot ulcers and amputations. Because amputations are a reason for pain and hospitalization in those with diabetes, it is of critical importance to gain insight about prevention of ulcer development in this population. Although the American Diabetes Association (ADA) now recommends that individuals with neuropathy can engage in moderate-intensity weight-bearing activity (WBA), they must wear appropriate footwear and inspect their feet daily.

The older adult with diabetes: peripheral neuropathy and walking for health.

The rate at which older individuals are being diagnosed with diabetes is increasing. Therefore, the ability of older persons with diabetes to successfully age in place is of concern for health care professionals. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy can cause changes to the foot and ankle such as loss of protective sensation, joint dislocations and fractures, and formation of cracks and fissures.

Effect of viscoelastic properties of plantar soft tissues on plantar pressures at the first metatarsal head in diabetics with peripheral neuropathy.

Diabetic foot ulcers are one of the most serious complications associated with diabetes mellitus. Current research studies have demonstrated that biomechanical alterations of the diabetic foot contribute to the development of foot ulcers. However, the changes of soft tissue biomechanical properties associated with diabetes and its influences on the development of diabetic foot ulcers have not been investigated.

Reliability and limitations of the durometer and PressureStat to measure plantar foot characteristics in Native Americans with diabetes.

Neuropathy with excessive weight-bearing activity may lead to foot changes that place it at risk for ulceration. Information about instruments to measure plantar skin hardness and pressures of the foot in adult Native Americans with diabetes is presented. Skin hardness was measured at 10 sites (plantar side of the hallux, third and fifth toes, first, third, and fifth metatarsal heads, medial and lateral midfoot, heel, and the dorsal aspect between the hallux and second toe) with a durometer.

Weight-bearing activity and foot parameters in Native Americans with diabetes with and without foot sensation.

Amputations from diabetic foot ulcers account for substantial health care costs and pain. At the point of neuropathy, it has been recommended that weight-bearing activities (WBA) be restricted to reduce the risk of ulcers. While regular WBA has been shown to control glycemia, stress from this exercise may lead to ulcers by various processes.