Clin Pain.  2018 Dec;17(2):81-90. 10.0000/cp.2018.17.2.81.

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

• Lee HJ
• Lim KB
• Yoo J
• Kim J
• Kang J
• Lee H
• Jeong TH

• KMID: 2439564
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.0000/cp.2018.17.2.81

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the long termeffect of custom-molded foot orthoses on foot pain and balance ability in children with symptomatic flexible flat feet after 1 year. METHOD: A total of 35 children over 6 year-old with flexible flat feet and foot pain for at least 6 months were recruited. Individual custom-molded rigid foot orthoses fabricated with the inverted orthotic technique was prescribed. Pain related parameters (pain sites, degree, and frequency) were obtained through questionnaires. Pain assessment was performed prior to application of the foot orthoses, and 1, 3, 6, 12 months after applying the orthoses. Balance ability was tested by computerized posturography. Such measures were evaluated prior to, 3 months, and 12 months after applying the foot orthoses. Additionally, the difference inbalance ability between barefoot and withfoot orthosesat 12 months was assessed to estimate carryover effect.
RESULTS
17 out of 35 children completed the study. Significant improvements were noted upto 12 months in pain parameters and balance ability. The carry over effect of the orthoses was confirmed.
CONCLUSION
There were significant improvements offoot pain and balance ability in children with symptomatic flexible flat foot after wearing foot orthoses fabricated with the inverted orthotic technique over 1year period.

Keyword

Flat feet; Foot orthoses; Pediatrics; Musculoskeletalpain; Postural balance

MeSH Terms

Child*
Flatfoot*
Foot Orthoses*
Foot*
Humans
Methods
Orthotic Devices
Pain Measurement
Pediatrics
Postural Balance