The Effectiveness of Orthopaedic Insoles in Reducing Plantar Pressure and Preventing the Onset of First-Time or the Recurrence of Foot Ulcers in Diabetic Patients—A Systematic Review
4 affiliations
- 1Nursing Department, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
- 2Prevention and Treatment of Diabetic Foot Syndrome Research Group, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
- 3Diabetic Foot Unit, Clínica Universitaria de Podología, Facultad de Enfermería, Fisioterapia y Podología, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- 4Frailty Research Organized Group (FROG), University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Prevention of the first diabetic foot ulcer and subsequent ulcer recurrence is a key priority in diabetes care. Foot orthoses are used to redistribute plantar pressure and protect high-risk areas; however, their effectiveness in preventing ulceration remains uncertain. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of foot orthoses in modifying plantar pressure and preventing first or recurrent diabetic foot ulcers. Methods: A systematic review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methodology. PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase were searched. Studies were selected according to predefined eligibility criteria related to publication type, language, patient characteristics, and the use of foot orthoses. Methodological quality and risk of bias were assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tools. Results: The search identified 963 records. After screening and full-text assessment, 12 articles met the inclusion criteria; one additional article was identified and included subsequently, resulting in 13 studies. Overall, foot orthoses reduced plantar pressure, particularly beneath the metatarsal heads. However, the available evidence directly assessing the prevention of first or recurrent diabetic foot ulceration was limited. Conclusions: Foot orthoses may contribute to diabetic foot ulcer prevention by reducing plantar pressure in high-risk areas. Nevertheless, further well-designed longitudinal studies are needed to determine whether these biomechanical improvements translate into a reduction in ulcer incidence and recurrence.
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BibTeX
@article{izquierdorenau2026effectiveness,
title = {{The Effectiveness of Orthopaedic Insoles in Reducing Plantar Pressure and Preventing the Onset of First-Time or the Recurrence of Foot Ulcers in Diabetic Patients—A Systematic Review}},
author = {Marta Izquierdo-Renau and Esther García-Morales and Iván Julián-Rochina and Raquel Alabau-Dasi and Enrique Sanchis-Sales and José Luis Lázaro-Martínez and Aroa Tardáguila-García},
journal = {Journal of Clinical Medicine},
year = {2026},
month = nov,
doi = {10.3390/jcm15218740},
url = {https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/15/21/8740},
note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - The Effectiveness of Orthopaedic Insoles in Reducing Plantar Pressure and Preventing the Onset of First-Time or the Recurrence of Foot Ulcers in Diabetic Patients—A Systematic Review
AU - Marta Izquierdo-Renau
AU - Esther García-Morales
AU - Iván Julián-Rochina
AU - Raquel Alabau-Dasi
AU - Enrique Sanchis-Sales
AU - José Luis Lázaro-Martínez
AU - Aroa Tardáguila-García
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/11/09
JO - Journal of Clinical Medicine
DO - 10.3390/jcm15218740
UR - https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/15/21/8740
AB - Background/Objectives: Prevention of the first diabetic foot ulcer and subsequent ulcer recurrence is a key priority in diabetes care. Foot orthoses are used to redistribute plantar pressure and protect high-risk areas; however, their effectiveness in preventing ulceration remains uncertain. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of foot orthoses in modifying plantar pressure and preventing first or recurrent diabetic foot ulcers. Methods: A systematic review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methodology. PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase were searched. Studies were selected according to predefined eligibility criteria related to publication type, language, patient characteristics, and the use of foot orthoses. Methodological quality and risk of bias were assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tools. Results: The search identified 963 records. After screening and full-text assessment, 12 articles met the inclusion criteria; one additional article was identified and included subsequently, resulting in 13 studies. Overall, foot orthoses reduced plantar pressure, particularly beneath the metatarsal heads. However, the available evidence directly assessing the prevention of first or recurrent diabetic foot ulceration was limited. Conclusions: Foot orthoses may contribute to diabetic foot ulcer prevention by reducing plantar pressure in high-risk areas. Nevertheless, further well-designed longitudinal studies are needed to determine whether these biomechanical improvements translate into a reduction in ulcer incidence and recurrence.
SN - 2077-0383
ER -