Biomechanics and Motion Analysis

Comparing Foot Pressures in Darco Med-Surge Shoe with Classic Post Op-Shoe

Principal Investigator: Steven J. Kavros, D.P.M.
Project Coordinator: Krista Coleman-Wood — colemanwood.krista@mayo.edu

This study is comparing foot pressures of two different types of post-surgical shoes. Increased foot pressures, especially under the metatarsal heads (large foot pads on the fore foot) and the heel, can either contribute to open foot wounds or slow down the healing process of existing wounds.

The subjects in this research study have had an open foot wound that is currently healed. The wound is generally a result of a condition known as peripheral neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy, in its most common form, causes pain and numbness in your hands and feet. The pain typically is described as tingling or burning, while the loss of sensation often is compared to the feeling of wearing a thin stocking or glove. Peripheral neuropathy can result from such problems as traumatic injuries, infections, metabolic problems and exposure to toxins. One of the most common causes of the disorder is diabetes.

The foot pressures while walking will be measured while the patient is wearing a Classic Post-op shoe (by Health Design, Inc.) and a Darco Med-Surge Shoe. Both shoes will be tested with and without a half inch Plastizote insert. These shoes as well as the Plastizote are all tools currently being used to treat open wounds at the Mayo Clinic Wound Care Center. The results of this study will assist the physicians in providing footwear that is the best for each patient, especially while healing is taking place.