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

BackgroundCustom-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.ObjectivesLongitudinal evaluation of the efficacy of a slim, ready made, 3/4th length semi-rigid foot orthosis.MethodData was collected from 21 participants at baseline, at 4 weeks and via postal questionnaire after 12 months. Powerstep orthoses (Cuxson-Gerrard & Co Ltd., Oldbury, UK) were given to participants with the therapeutic aim of resolving or reducing their lower limb symptoms.ResultsParticipants 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 < 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.ConclusionParticipants found ready made orthoses enhanced sense of stability and generally reduced symptoms over a period of at least 1 year.