The Effect of Customized Insole Pads on Plantar Pressure Distribution in a Diabetic Foot with Neuropathy: Material and Design Study Using Finite Element Analysis Approach

To reduce the trial and error in a real clinical scenario, the finite element analysis (FEA) can be effectively used to simulate various effective pad designs and a material selection to reduce and redistribute peak plantar pressure in a diabetic foot with neuropathy. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of pad design and material stiffness on the reduction in plantar pressure in a diabetic foot with neuropathy using FEA. Three-dimensional foot models with a customized insole (CMI) were created to study the peak contact pressure. Ethylene vinyl acetate, Nora® Lunalastike, and thermoplastic polyurethane were assigned to the top, middle, and base layers of the CMI, respectively. Two types of pads were proposed: a heel pad and a heel–forefoot pad. Four different materials with different stiffnesses were assigned as pad materials including a void pad. The FEA revealed that pads with soft materials reduced peak plantar pressure more effectively than stiffer pads. The use of a softer heel–forefoot pad reduced the peak plantar pressure at the midfoot and forefoot compared with other pads. The findings suggest that the material and design selection for the fabrication of CMIs with pads are important factors in reducing plantar pressure and may be useful in the management of a neuropathic diabetic foot.