DARCO UK Ltd, a leading provider of podiatric, orthopaedic and post-operative foot and ankle solutions, is pleased to announce the endorsement and partnership of its Solace System® plantar wound-healing device by the Institute of Podiatrists, the UK’s professional body representing podiatrists, chiropodists and podiatric surgeons.
This milestone reinforces a shared commitment to advancing high-quality medical products that deliver effective outcomes for patients living with diabetic foot complications and lower-limb wounds. The endorsement is supported by clinical evidence and reflects a dedication to improving standards of foot health across the UK.
Launched in 2024 and successfully added to the NHS Drug Tariff shortly afterwards, the Solace System® provides an effective and accessible plantar wound-healing solution. The system combines targeted pressure offloading, stability and shock absorption by bringing together DARCO’s successful post-operative healing shoe and the innovative peg-removal Solace Insole®.
Together, these features help clinicians address a major challenge in diabetic foot care: the prevention and healing of plantar ulcers. Designed around clinician and patient needs, the Solace System® offers a practical all-in-one solution that can be prescribed and implemented quickly, supporting improved outcomes and compliance.
The need for preventative and recovery-focused solutions has never been greater. With an estimated one in five people in the UK now living with diabetes or pre-diabetes (Diabetes UK, 2025), healthcare professionals face increasing challenges in preventing diabetic foot ulcers and reducing avoidable amputations. These complications can have a devastating impact on quality of life.
The economic impact is equally significant. Wound care costs the NHS billions of pounds every year (Legs Matter, 2026), with unhealed wounds accounting for a substantial proportion of this expenditure. Ulceration can also affect employment, mental wellbeing and long-term health outcomes for patients and families.
Reflecting on the clinical performance of the device, Gaynor Wooldridge, Chair of the Executive Board at the Institute of Podiatrists, commented, “The system demonstrated excellent comfort, good stability, effective pressure redistribution and high levels of patient acceptability.”
This endorsement is important given the long-term nature of diabetic foot disease. Studies indicate that approximately 40% of diabetic foot ulcers recur within one year of healing, highlighting the need for effective treatment pathways and ongoing preventative care (IWGDF, 2019).
With over 40 years of experience in foot and ankle medical devices, DARCO remains dedicated to supporting patients through prevention, healing, and post-recovery.
For more information about the Solace System® and prescribing information, please visit:
https://www.darcouk.com or contact us at: info@darcouk.com.