The Problem:
Around 34.2 million Americans are fighting a daily battle against diabetes, a disease which ranks seventh among US causes of death. Diabetic foot ulcers are a common medical complication of patients with diabetes, with 15% of the diabetic population having an ulcer. The current treatment options for diabetic pressure ulcers are offloading boots and total contact casts. Both of these options require the user to purchase large and bulky footwear to offload the pressure on the wounded area. These options can be expensive and prevent the user from wearing their normal footwear.
The Solution:
Researchers at the University of Alabama have developed a customizable silicon insole for treatment of diabetic pressure ulcers that occur on the feet. The insole is composed of a support layer comprising one or more support regions, each support region comprising a support material which simulates biomechanical properties of human skin, and the support material comprising an elastomeric network. The insole aims to offload the pressure placed on the wounded area, to better allow the ulcer to heal. The invention can recreate soft skin like conditions, that can be easily customized to the user's specifications and needs.
Classic Offloading Boot
Customized Insole Model
Benefits:
• Compact design that would allow the user to wear the insole inside of their normal footwear, more mobile than a boot/cast.
• User need not purchase bulkier expensive footwear, no additional cost.
• 98% stress reduction at the ulcer, improved recovery times.
• Improved comfort for those suffering from ulcers, customized fit for maximum relief.
The University of Alabama Research Office of Innovation and Commercialization (OIC) is a non-profit corporation that is responsible for commercializing University of Alabama technologies and for supporting University research. At OIC, we seek parties that are interested in learning more about our technologies and commercialization opportunities, and we welcome any inquiries you may have.
