Foot ulceration in diabetes: the biomechanical factor

Abstract

The risk of developing a foot ulcer and the potential to proceed to limb amputation is a feared complication amongst people with diabetes. It has been shown that foot ulceration precedes amputation in up to 85% of lower limb amputations.¹ For healthcare providers involved in the treatment of foot ulceration, it is often a frustrating experience, as reulceration is common after great effort and cost to achieve a healed status. This article looks at the biomechanical factors involved in the causal pathway, the healing process and the prevention of ulceration and reulceration of a foot ulcer in a person with diabetes.