Podiatry has come a long way thanks to cutting-edge technologies like smart foot monitoring, which is used to detect complications of diabetic foot using a Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) model. Scientists at the Saveetha School of Engineering and the Symbiosis Institute of Technology (SIT) recently developed an intelligent wearable gadget to monitor the factors that can cause diabetic foot ulcers. Factors that lead to these ulcers include heel tension, motion of the foot inside footwear, dampness, shoe depth, foot stiffness, and other factors. All these variables can now be detected thanks to the CNN model, which detects small foot health changes via intelligent sensors. This data is then processed by CNN algorithms to distinguish between healthy foot conditions and early signs of chronic issues. The system has a myriad of benefits, including enhanced diagnostic accuracy, reduced manual examination errors, and the possibility of early intervention. The CNN system is just one of many solutions going a long way toward improving foot health.
Advanced Diagnostic Systems
Foot specialists across the globe are employing advanced diagnostics tools like 3D scanning to study feet and create customized orthotics for conditions like plantar fasciitis—a condition causing heel pain due to inflammation of the plantar fascia (the thick band of tissue connecting the heel bone to the toes). Other advanced techniques include the use of AI to process large amounts of data to diagnose conditions such as bunions with a very high degree of accuracy. The Neatsy app, for instance, uses AI-generated algorithms to identify podiatric-related ailments such as flat foot, cavus foot, bunions, and bunionettes. Although some conditions require surgery—such as bunions, which often require bunion surgery to eliminate pain and swelling—detecting early problems allows patients to opt for less invasive surgery. As such, hospital times and recovery times can be considerably reduced. Other techniques that are boosting early detection of issues include 3D scanning and pressure mapping systems, which detect parts of the foot that receive excess pressure.
Wearable Technology
In the same way that wearable fitness technology is helping detect issues such as poor sleep quality and low heart rate variability, it is also being used to detect issues with feet. For older adults, athletes, and people with neurological conditions, for instance, smart insoles can be used to measure the distribution of pressure and walking patterns of their wearers over a period of time. Smart socks are also being used to measure the foot’s temperature, pressure, and inflammation. As such, they can play a key role in reducing diabetic amputations. Finally, newer versions of compression socks not only boost circulation but also measure blood oxygen levels to prevent circulatory complications.
Laser and Shockwave Therapy
Laser and shockwave therapy are being used with very good success rates. Shockwave therapy, which involves sending low-energy pressure waves through the skin to a painful area, provides a high-tech alternative to traditional pain relief methods. This therapy is used to treat problems such as plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, patellar tendinitis, shin splints, and arthritis. K-Laser therapy, meanwhile, uses wavelengths of light to penetrate deep into tissue, reduce inflammation, and promote cellular regeneration.
Foot pain is something millions of people live with, but current technology is going a long way toward avoiding unnecessary surgery and curbing problems when they are still in their early stages. The Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) model, measures a host of factors that can indicate issues in diabetic feet. Wearable technology, laser, and shockwave therapy are also helping patients with a wide range of issues, from diabetic foot ulcers to plantar fasciitis.
