Decompression with the aid of insoles in the treatment of diabetic neuropathic ulcers

Thirty-seven out of 38 neuropathic ulcers in 21 diabetic patients healed during relief of external pressure obtained by properly fitted interchangeable insoles. The time required for healing was 1 to 12 months (mean 3.6 months). The presence of mild occlussive arterial disease did not influence the course of healing. Gross infection, which occurred in eight patients could be controlled by immobilization, antibiotics and, in the presence of pus, by radical surgical drainage.