A clinical longitudinal evaluation of pre-fabricated, semi-rigid foot orthoses prescribed to improve foot function

K.P. Springett, Simon Otter, A. Barry

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Custom-made foot orthoses whilst effective can be expensive and time-consuming to manufacture making ready made devices an attractive option. This study, with follow up after 12 months provides longitudinal data not frequently available. Objectives Longitudinal evaluation of the efficacy of a slim, ready made, 3/4th length semi-rigid foot orthosis. Method Data was collected from 21 participants at baseline, at 4 weeks and via postal questionnaire after 12 months. Powerstep orthoses (Cuxson-Gerrard and Co Ltd., Oldbury, UK) were given to participants with the therapeutic aim of resolving or reducing their lower limb symptoms. Results Participants reported an initial marked decrease in foot pain, found the orthoses fitted in footwear readily, had a sense of increased foot stability and a significant improvement in comfort (p less than 0.0001). Some increase in pain levels reported after 4-weeks (p = 0.01), was accompanied by an equally significant increase in mobility (p = 0.01) which triangulated closely against diary records. After a mean of 15.1 months, 73% of participants still found the orthoses beneficial. Conclusion Participants found ready made orthoses enhanced sense of stability and generally reduced symptoms over a period of at least 1 year.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)184-189
Number of pages6
JournalFoot
Volume17
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2007

Keywords

  • Orthoses
  • Foot
  • Rehabilitation

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