ASSESSING THE DIABETIC FOOT - PLANTAR CALLUS AND PRESSURE SENSATION

The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between the loss of protective pressure sensation in the foot and the formation of plantar calluses, two well-known precursors of plantar ulceration, in adults with diabetes referred to an outpatient diabetes education pro gram. Pressure sensation testing was performed using Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments. Foot inspection included the identification and measure ment of plantar calluses. Using the Wilcoxon Rank Sum test, groups cat egorized as sensitive (n=67) and insensitive (n=35) were compared on c allus formation. The groups had equivalent numbers, areas, and thickne ss of calluses. The high prevalence of calluses in both sensitive and insensitive groups suggests that additional factors such as age-relate d changes in the foot and routine footwear must be included in risk as sessment of the diabetic foot and in consideration of preventive inter ventions.