Diabetics in the United Arab Emirates at higher risk of foot ulceration- Clinical Implications from Kinetics at Ankle Joint

IntroductionThe prevalence of diabetes mellitus in the United Arab Emirates stands significantly high. Considering the etiopathogenesis for diabetic foot ulcers, studies suggest that increased plantar pressure, also referred to as the peak plantar pressure beyond a threshold value leads to the breakdown of skin and thus causes an ulcer. The accurate analysis of ground reaction force and peak plantar pressure could be suggestive and predictive for the occurrence of foot ulceration among diabetes mellitus and the study aims to analyze the kinetics at the ankle joint among diabetics in the UAE. MethodologyThe cross-sectional study was conducted at the Thumbay Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Hospital, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates. 38 out of a total of 120 participants screened and diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes mellitus were taken for data collection and analysis. BTS motion analysis and Wintrack foot scan mat were used for kinetics at the ankle joint. ResultsHigher mean peaks of plantar pressure, 810, 654, and 911 kPa respectively were found at all three phases of the gait cycle. A positive and high correlation was found between peak plantar pressure risk of foot ulcer (r= 0.84). A negative and moderate correlation was observed for ankle joint moment and power. ConclusionThe diabetic population in the United Arab Emirates could be at higher risk of foot ulceration with significantly increased peak plantar pressure. The altered kinetics such as reduced ankle joint moment and power could further add to the risk.