31 August 2004

Reducing foot pain

Every parent's champion - the man who discovered that expensive trainers were no better than cheaper ones - is calling on diabetic people to help him in his latest investigation to reduce foot problems for people with diabetes.

Dr Rami Abboud, Director of the University of Dundee's Institute of Motion Analysis and Research, says that diabetic foot problems are the leading cause of amputation and limb loss. Diabetes can cause loss of feeling in the feet so it is easier for people to injure their feet without even being aware of them getting hurt.

Dr Abboud said: "Research so far has indicated that diabetic feet experience higher foot pressures than normal, which have been linked to foot ulcers. With a better understanding of foot and muscle problems we hope to be able to reduce the incidence of ulceration that diabetic people suffer in their feet."

Dr Abboud and his team are looking for volunteers between the ages of 18 and 75 with either diabetes type 1 or 2 who have no existing foot problems to take part in the short study. Volunteers will be asked to walk along a special walkway - fitted with eight infrared cameras - wearing pressure sensing insoles placed inside a shoe and small sensors attached to the legs to record muscle activity. The test does not involve any medication and the team will also be able to give you a free consultation on the way you walk. The session will take place in Ninewells and lasts between 60 and 90 minutes.

People suffering from diabetes who are interested should contact Dr Abboud or Ms Rajput on 01382 496332 or by e-mail b.rajput@dundee.ac.uk

By Jenny Marra, Head of Press 01382 344910, out of hours: 07968298585, j.m.marra@dundee.ac.uk