Prospective Evaluation of Leprosy Patients Wearing Insole.

The use of custom-made insoles has shown to be effective for the treatment  of high plantar pressure peak of patients with neuropathic feet. Objective: To observe the results of the usage of etatarsal plantar support type of insole in leprosy, through tests in gait and static posture with a baropodometric device. Ten patients diagnosed with leprosy were randomly selected, ageing 25 to 60 years in drug treatment at the Ribeirão Preto Medical School Clinical Hospital, University of São Paulo (CRNDS-HCFMRP-USP), were they were asked to stand in a static position and then to walk on the Baropodometer (Footwork-ISP). Pressure peaks were observed in 7 predefined plantar areas during standing position, and plantar contact time was observed during gait. Next, a custom-made insole was installed into the patient’s footwear, according to the Brazilian Ministry of Health.

The above assessment was redone after 10 months of continuous insole usage. The collected data was compared and statistically analyzed, revealing that the 7 plantar areas did not show significant differences for pressure peaks recorded before and after the use of insoles during standing position. The dynamic analysis, however, showed a significant reduction in plantar contact time, meaning a faster gait of these patients after the use of insoles. We conclude that the metatarsal plantar support type of insoles improve the dynamic balance of patients, but did not modify the foot’s pressure distribution.