Key considerations for assessment and management of limited joint mobility in the diabetic foot

Delbridge et al (1988) and Fernando et al (1991) recognised the potential risk of limited joint mobility (LJM) in the diabetic foot. These studies highlighted the influence of LJM in the diabetic foot during elevating plantar pressures, thus contributing to diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). While there are no firm paradigms for the assessment and management of LJM in the diabetic foot, the concept of LJM as a risk factor in DFUs is a feature of the literature (Boyko et al 1999; Viswanathan et al, 2002; Zimny et al, 2004). Here, the author examines the impact of LJM and why it should feature in the assessment and management of the diabetic foot as recommended by Formosa et al (2013).