Article

The objective of this study was to determine the feasibility of shoe
stiffening inserts to reduce pain in first metatarsophalangeal joint
osteoarthritis. DESIGN: Thirty-one participants with first metatarsophalangeal
joint osteoarthritis were prescribed shoe stiffening inserts and were evaluated
at baseline and at 1 and 3 mos. The primary outcome measure was foot pain,
assessed using the foot pain domain of the Foot Health Status Questionnaire
(possible score ranges from 0 to 100). Secondary outcome measures included
foot-related disability (foot function domain of the Foot Health Status
Questionnaire), self-reported treatment effectiveness, use of rescue medication
and other co-interventions, and adverse events. RESULTS: At 1 and 3 mos,
statistically significant improvements in foot pain and foot-related disability
were observed (mean difference at 3 mos: foot pain = 18.8, 95% confidence
interval, 13.3-24.3; foot function = 11.8, 95% confidence interval, 4.3-17.3).
Treatment was reported to be effective by 78% of participants. Few participants
(4%) reported using pain-relieving medication. Minor adverse events were reported
by 30% of participants. CONCLUSIONS: Full-length shoe stiffening inserts may be
an effective intervention in first metatarsophalangeal joint osteoarthritis.
However, further controlled studies are required.

Langue : ANGLAIS