Reduction of plantar pressure using a prototype pressure-relieving dressing.

I t is accepted that pressure relief is among the most important aspects in treating diabetic foot ulcers. Clinically, a variety of off-loading devices are used to redistribute pressure away from the area of ulceration to improve wound healing. The incorporation of pressure-relieving properties in a wound care dressing for the treatment foot ulcers is a new and interesting concept, although currently there is no dressing available that contains specific pressure-relieving qualities. We therefore aimed to investigate the efficacy of a prototype pressure-relieving dressing (PRD) designed to off-load pressure under individual plantar metatarsal head areas. To establish the pressurereducing efficacy, the PRD was investigated in patients with intact feet only.