Ann Rehabil Med.  2015 Dec;39(6):905-913. 10.5535/arm.2015.39.6.905.

Effect of Custom-Molded Foot Orthoses on Foot Pain and Balance in Children With Symptomatic Flexible Flat Feet

• Lee HJ
• Lim KB
• Yoo J
• Yoon SW
• Yun HJ
• Jeong TH

• KMID: 2165616
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5535/arm.2015.39.6.905

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effect of custom-molded foot orthoses on foot pain and balance in children with symptomatic flexible flat foot 1 month and 3 months after fitting foot orthosis. METHOD: A total of 24 children over 6 years old with flexible flat feet and foot pain for at least 6 months were recruited for this study. Their resting calcaneal stance position and calcaneal pitch angle were measured. Individual custom-molded rigid foot orthoses were prescribed using inverted orthotic technique to control foot overpronation. Pain questionnaire was used to obtain pain sites, degree, and frequency. Balancing ability was determined using computerized posturography. These evaluations were performed prior to custom-molded foot orthoses, 1 month, and 3 months after fitting foot orthoses. RESULT: Of 24 children with symptomatic flexible flat feet recruited for this study, 20 completed the study. Significant (p<0.001) improvements in pain degree and frequency were noted after 1 and 3 months of custom-molded foot orthoses. In addition, significant (p<0.05) improvement in balancing ability was found after 3 months of custom-molded foot orthoses.
CONCLUSION
Short-term use of custom-molded foot orthoses significantly improved foot pain and balancing ability in children with symptomatic flexible flat foot.

Keyword

Flatfoot; Foot orthoses; Pediatrics; Musculoskeletal pain; Postural balance

MeSH Terms

Child*
Flatfoot*
Foot Orthoses*
Foot*
Humans
Musculoskeletal Pain
Pediatrics
Postural Balance