Why ulcers form on the toes, heel, and top of the foot in diabetes
Biomechanical factors for non-plantar ulcers in diabetic foot disease
This project will measure how tissues at common non-sole areas of the diabetic foot (toes, heel, and top) respond to pressure and movement to help people with diabetes avoid ulcers.
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-11310873 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From my perspective as a patient, researchers will test the mechanical properties of foot tissues at places other than the sole, like the toes, heel, and dorsum, to see how they handle compression, shear, and friction. They will use a mix of live measurements and lab work on tissue samples, possibly including donated cadaver tissue, to develop reliable testing methods. The team will compare how these non-plantar tissues differ from the sole tissues already studied to find why ulcers start at these sites. The goal is to build a foundation that can guide better prevention and treatment options for ulcer-prone areas.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with diabetes—especially veterans or those with prior foot ulcers or high risk for foot wounds—are the most likely candidates to contribute tissue samples or take part in measurements.
Not a fit: People without diabetes or those whose foot problems come from non-mechanical causes are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this specific biomechanics work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to targeted ways to prevent and treat ulcers on the toes, heel, and top of the foot, lowering infection and amputation risk for people with diabetes.
How similar studies have performed: Past work has clarified how sole (plantar) tissue changes with diabetes and led to improved care, but applying these mechanical testing methods to non-plantar sites is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- VA Puget Sound Healthcare System — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Telfer, Scott — VA Puget Sound Healthcare System
- Study coordinator: Telfer, Scott
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.