Advancing diabetic foot care: Incorporating horizontal shear forces in orthopaedic insoles through generative design
J. Schneider & D. Völz
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AbstractIn Germany, people with diabetes mellitus receive excellent medical care, resulting in an increasing number of elderly diabetes patients. As of 2022, approximately 340,000 German adults were affected by type 1 diabetes, with almost 30% of them being over the age of 70. Additionally, about eight million people suffered from type 2 diabetes, with 25% of them being over the age of 75 (Zeyfang et al., 2022). Diabetes frequently co-occurs with polyneuropathy, which can result in reduced sensation of pressure and pain. This can lead to diabetic foot syndrome, a condition characterized by pathological changes in the foot. Morbach et al. (2021) reported that the likelihood of diabetic foot syndrome in individuals with diabetes ranges from 19%-34%. To prevent foot ulceration or necrosis, it is critical to identify and relieve calluses and pressure points in a timely manner. Diabetes patients are often fitted with orthopaedic insoles to relieve particularly stressed areas. Personalization of footwear is achieved through 3D impressions using plaster or impression foam, coupled with pressure measurements during walking using pedography. However, traditional podography only records vertical forces directed towards the ground, neglecting the horizontal shear forces that contribute to blistering caused by friction. The objective of this study is to investigate the feasibility of developing orthotic insoles that account for horizontal shear forces using generative design and additive manufacturing techniques.Keywords: generative design, additive manufacturing, orthopaedic insoles, customized support, diabetic foot syndrome
J. Schneider & D. Völz (2024). Advancing diabetic foot care: Incorporating horizontal shear forces in orthopaedic insoles through generative design. Gerontechnology, 23(2), 1-1
https://doi.org/10.4017/gt.2024.23.s.978.pp