Background: A comprehensive understanding of clinical risk factors for developing foot ulcerations would help clinicians to categorize patients by their risk status and schedule intervention resources accordingly to prevent amputation.

The early detection of peripheral neuropathy or loss of "protective sensation" is paramount to instituting a structured treatment plan to prevent lower extremity amputation. The results of our study suggest that all 3 sensory perception testing instruments are sensitive in identifying patients at risk for ulceration. Combining modalities appears to increase specificity with very little or no diminution in sensitivity.

DH Pressure Relief Walkers were as effective as total contact casts to reduce foot pressures at ulcer sites and may be an effective practical addition in the treatment of foot ulcers.

Few scientific data are available on the effectiveness of commonly used modalities for reducing pressure at the site of neuropathic ulcers in persons with diabetes mellitus. The authors' aim was to compare the effectiveness of total contact casts, half-shoes, rigid-soled postoperative shoes, accommodative dressings made of felt and polyethylene foam, and removable walking casts in reducing peak plantar foot pressures at the site of neuropathic ulcerations in diabetics. Using an in-shoe pressure-measurement system, data from 32 midgait steps were collected for each treatment. There was a consistent pattern in the devices' effectiveness in reducing foot pressures at ulcer sites under the great toe and ball of the foot. Removable walking casts were as effective as or more effective than total contact casts. Half-shoes were consistently the third most effective modality, followed by accommodative dressings and rigid-soled postoperative shoes.

When used in conjunction with a viscoelastic insole, both the comfort and athletic cross-trainer shoes studied were as, if not more, effective than commonly prescribed therapeutic shoes in reducing mean peak first and lesser metatarsal pressures. Furthermore, comfort shoes were as effective as therapeutic shoes in reducing pressure under the great toe. Both of these shoe types may be viable options to prevent the development or recurrence of foot ulcers.