Preventing foot problems and amputations in veterans
Official title: Senior Research Career Scientist
Funded at VA Puget Sound Healthcare System · NIH-11306038 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Developing better measurements, devices, and treatment plans to help veterans with foot and ankle pain and people with diabetes keep their feet and avoid amputations.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | VA Puget Sound Healthcare System NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | October 1, 2018 |
| Project end | September 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5IK6RX002970-08 |
| Project ID | NIH-11306038 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates include veterans with foot or ankle musculoskeletal problems, people with diabetes at risk for lower‑limb amputation, or patients with first‑toe (MTP joint) arthritis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without foot or ankle conditions, children, or those with unrelated medical problems are unlikely to benefit directly.
What this research studies
This program focuses on foot and ankle problems in veterans and people with diabetes, including painful arthritis and the risk of diabetic foot ulcers. Researchers use advanced 3‑D measurements, compare conservative versus surgical treatments, and collect data on how the foot functions during daily activities. They are also designing better implants for big‑toe (first metatarsophalangeal) arthritis and new tools to capture precise mechanical information about the joint. Some work may involve patient imaging, gait testing, and following treatment outcomes to see what helps people keep their limbs.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could reduce pain, improve walking, and prevent some foot amputations.
How similar studies have gone: Prior implant designs for the first toe joint have generally been disappointing, so this project builds on partial successes in foot biomechanics and brings new 3‑D measurement approaches to a relatively novel area.
Where this research is happening
-
VA Puget Sound Healthcare System
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ledoux, William R. — VA Puget Sound Healthcare System
- Study coordinator: Ledoux, William R.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Genetic predictors of recovery and surgical outcomes for Veterans with chronic low back pain and lumbosacral spine disorders
This project uses VA health records and genetic information to find DNA markers linked to how Veterans fare with chronic low back pain and related spine conditions.
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Optimizing how we capture foot shape to make better custom insoles for diabetes-related foot problems
A new project will compare different ways of capturing foot shape to make more comfortable, better-fitting insoles that reduce pressure and help prevent ulcers in adults with diabetes.
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Center for Limb Loss and Mobility at VA Puget Sound: improving mobility for Veterans with limb loss
A VA center funded to improve movement, independence, and participation for Veterans with lower limb loss or mobility challenges through innovative research and patient-focused care.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.