Ann Rehabil Med.  2015 Apr;39(2):285-293. 10.5535/arm.2015.39.2.285.

Effect of Foot Orthoses on Children With Lower Extremity Growing Pains

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

• KMID: 2273051
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5535/arm.2015.39.2.285

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effect of custom molded foot orthoses on children with growing pains of the lower extremities.
METHODS
Children with growing pains were recruited during a clinic visit. None had any bony deformities, inflammatory joint disease or depression. Resting calcaneal stance position (RCSP) and calcaneal pitch angle were measured, and individual custom molded rigid foot orthoses were prescribed using the inverted orthotic technique to control for foot overpronation using the RCSP angle. Pain sites, degree and frequency of pain, and balance ability were evaluated using Balance Master computerized posturography prior to foot orthosis fitting, and 1 and 3 months later.
RESULTS
Twenty children completed the study. Seventeen (75%) had overpronated feet. Significant improvements were noted after 1 and 3 months in pain degree and frequency, and after 3 months in balancing ability.
CONCLUSION
The use of custom molded foot orthoses is a good method for treating children with multiple musculoskeletal pains in the leg.

Keyword

Musculoskeletal pain; Pediatrics; Orthotic devices; Postural balance

MeSH Terms

Ambulatory Care
Child*
Congenital Abnormalities
Depression
Foot
Foot Orthoses*
Fungi
Humans
Joint Diseases
Leg
Lower Extremity*
Musculoskeletal Pain
Orthotic Devices
Pediatrics
Postural Balance

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 Fabrication of custom molded rigid foot orthoses made using the inverted orthotic technique. (A) Inverting of the positive cast and platforming of the forefoot. (B) Remodeling of the plantar arch from the sustentaculum tali to the first metatarsal head. (C) The finalized orthosis.

• 

  Fig. 2 Flow chart of the patients.

• 

  Fig. 3 Frequency of pain occurrence. The p-values were derived using repeated-measures analysis of variance. *p<0.01.

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  Fig. 4 Visual analog scale (VAS) of pain in the main pain site. The p-values were derived using repeated-measures analysis of variance. *p<0.05, **p<0.001.

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