Custom Insole With Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation on Clinical Outcomes of Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are one of the serious complications of diabetes, typically resulting from neuropathy or peripheral arterial disease, and can often lead to amputation. It affects approximately 6.3% of people with diabetes globally. In Pakistan, the overall prevalence of DFUs is 16.83%, with a slightly higher rate in females. Diabetic foot ulcers are the main reason for lower extremity amputation (LEA) with non-traumatic origin, hospitalization, healthcare costs, and mortality.

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are a significant complication of diabetes, carry a high risk of amputation and disability, and affect around 6.3% of diabetic patients globally. Risk factors for DFUs include pre-ulcerative lesions, mechanical pressure, restricted mobility, and poor glycemic control. Peripheral neuropathy plays a crucial role in DFU development, causing structural and functional changes in the foot. Offloading interventions, such as prefabricated orthotics and custom insoles, are essential for preventing DFU development and promoting ulcer healing. Physiotherapy modalities like therapeutic exercise and electrotherapy can assist in tissue repair and pain management. Orthotic management complements rehabilitation efforts, potentially reducing the risk of wound development. Further research on the combined benefits of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and customized insoles for DFUs is necessary to enhance clinical outcomes.