Preventing foot problems and amputations in veterans
Senior Research Career Scientist
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 ID | NIH-11306038 on NIH RePORTER |
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.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: 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.
Not a fit: Patients without foot or ankle conditions, children, or those with unrelated medical problems are unlikely to benefit directly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could reduce pain, improve walking, and prevent some foot amputations.
How similar studies have performed: 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
Seattle, United States
- 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.
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 below.