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Examining Foot Shape Variations in Individuals With and Without Diabetes
Sarah L Hemler1,2, Robert W Schuster3,4, A-V Behling3
1Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
Journal of Foot and Ankle Research
|June 29, 2025
Summary
Diabetic foot shape varies significantly, especially with neuropathy, impacting footwear needs. Understanding these 3D foot shape differences is crucial for preventing diabetic foot ulcers and amputations.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Podiatry
- Diabetology
Background:
- Properly fitting footwear is critical for individuals with diabetes to prevent serious complications like foot ulcers and amputations.
- A significant gap exists in 3D foot shape data differentiating individuals with and without diabetes and peripheral neuropathy.
- Understanding these variations is vital for designing effective footwear and implementing preventative strategies for diabetic foot ulcers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify external foot shape differences between individuals with and without diabetes and peripheral neuropathy.
- To investigate demographic and health factors influencing these foot shape variations.
- To assess the utility of 3D foot scanning and analysis techniques for footwear design and ulcer prevention.
Main Methods:
- Acquisition and analysis of 136 3D foot scans from older adults.
- Creation and assessment of foot shape models using Principal Component Analysis (PCA).
- Application of Partial Least Squares Regression (PLSR) to identify predictive factors for diabetes and neuropathy.
Main Results:
- Feet of individuals with diabetes and neuropathy exhibit more pronounced variations in features like ankle width, arch height, and foot morphology (edema vs. atrophic).
- The intrascore spread (PC1 and PC2) was 43% larger for those with diabetes and neuropathy compared to those without, and 24% larger than those with neuropathy alone.
- PLSR indicated potential for predicting diabetes and neuropathy presence, though further data is needed.
Conclusions:
- 3D foot shape analysis reveals significant variations in individuals with diabetes and neuropathy, highlighting the need for specialized footwear.
- Techniques like PCA and PLSR can quantify these foot shape changes, informing the development of better-fitting shoes.
- Improved footwear design based on detailed foot morphology data can aid in the prevention of diabetic foot complications.
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