In the auxiliary diagnosis of diabetic foot, the plantar pressure analyzer mainly realizes risk identification and early intervention through the following technical paths:
I. Abnormal pressure distribution detection
- Dynamic/static pressure test
Static test: Evaluate the pressure peak and overall pressure distribution of each area of the foot, and identify the local high-pressure area (such as metatarsal head) caused by arch collapse and joint deformation in patients with diabetic foot.
Dynamic test: Analyze the changes in plantar pressure during walking or standing, capture abnormal pressure fluctuations in the heel, forefoot and other areas, and reflect the imbalance of gait mechanics.
Characteristics of diabetic foot: Due to neuropathy and vascular damage, patients often show significantly increased pressure in the forefoot and hindfoot, uneven pressure distribution, and peak pressure concentrated in ulcer-prone areas.
- High-pressure area positioning
Precisely locate the high-pressure points on the sole of the foot (such as metatarsal head and heel) through pressure heat map, and evaluate the ulcer risk level in combination with peak pressure value.
Data show that when the peak plantar pressure of diabetic patients is greater than 700kPa, the risk of ulcer increases significantly.
- Neuropathy and mechanical damage assessment
- Indirect assessment of nerve damage
Diabetic peripheral neuropathy causes patients to lose protective sensation and cannot perceive abnormal pressure on the sole of the foot. The analyzer quantifies abnormal mechanical load through pressure data, which indirectly indicates the degree of nerve damage.
For example, when the fibrous fat pad on the plantar of the forefoot migrates distally, abnormal pressure distribution can be used as an early biomechanical sign of neuropathy.
- Biomechanical analysis of lower limbs
Combined with the gait cycle, the relationship between plantar pressure and lower limb joint force line is analyzed to identify abnormal gait caused by limited joint movement or muscle atrophy (such as foot eversion and shortened stride), indicating potential causes of diabetic foot.
- Early screening and risk stratification
- Screening of high-risk groups
Through plantar pressure testing, high-risk patients with diabetic foot (such as those with abnormal peak pressure and asymmetric pressure distribution) are identified, and a risk stratification model is established.
Foreign studies have confirmed that increased plantar pressure is a specific predictor of diabetic foot ulcers, and early screening can reduce the amputation rate.
- Basis for personalized intervention
Customize orthotic insoles or decompression shoes based on pressure data to redistribute plantar load and reduce pressure in high-pressure areas (such as reducing forefoot pressure by 30%-50%) .
Combined with periodic retesting, dynamically monitor the intervention effect (such as the degree of improvement in pressure distribution) and adjust the treatment plan .
IV. Clinical application scenarios
- Early screening of diabetic foot: identify abnormal pressure areas and predict ulcer risk
- Neuropathy assessment: quantify abnormal plantar pressure and indirectly reflect sensory nerve damage
- Personalized assistive device adaptation Customize insoles/shoes based on pressure distribution to optimize mechanical load
- Rehabilitation effect monitoring Compare pressure data before and after intervention to evaluate treatment effectiveness (such as pressure changes during ulcer healing period)
The plantar pressure analyzer provides an objective basis for early diagnosis, risk stratification and personalized intervention of diabetic foot by accurately quantifying plantar mechanical parameters, significantly reducing amputation rates and improving patients’ quality of life .
