Plantar pain, balance and foot functions in individuals with diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between plantar pain, balance and foot function in Diabetes Mellitus (DM) patients with obese and non-obese. Material and Methods: Fifty-four patients were diagnosed as DM were included. Participants were seperated as non-obese (n=27) and obese (n=27). The balance abilities (dynamic and static balance) of participants were examined with the Portable Computerized Kinesthetic Ability Trainer (SportKAT-550). Pain, disability and function status of foot were assessed according to Foot Function Index (FFI) and Manchester Foot Pain and Disability Index (MFPDI). Results: FFI-Disability and MFPDI scores of the Non-Obese.Group were significantly better than Obese Group. While there were no significant correlation between BMI and MFPDI, FFI-Activity.Limitation and FFI-Disability scores in both groups (p>0.05), there was medium and positive significant correlation just between BMI and FFI-Pain.in.Non-Obese Group (p<0.05). FFI-Pain scores showed a positive and medium/high relationship with MFPDI, FFI-Activity Limitation and FFI-Disability scores in both groups (p<0.05). Conclusion: The increased BMI in obese individuals with DM is possible reason of increased plantar pain, which seems to be the primary cause of dysfunction of the foot. BMI has a direct negative effect on sufficiency and disability and an indirect effect on activity limitation and reduced participation rate in individuals with DM.