Review article

Foot orthoses in rheumatoid arthritis patients

Primož NOVAK ; Institut for Rheumatology of Slovenia, Ljubljana, Slovenia

Abstract

Foot orthoses can generally be classified according to their function into functional and accommodative or regarding their stiffness into soft (flexible), semi-rigid and rigid, each having its own properties and indications. Few studies have been published on orthotic interventions in RA patients. The impact of foot orthoses on forefoot pain in RA patients has been assessed, using different tools in different
circumstances. Most of the studies confirmed forefoot pain reduction when using foot orhoses. However, the only available double blind controlled study failed to prove such a significant effect. Even fewer studies are available on impact of foot orthoses on plantar pressure distribution in RA patients. Different methodological approach and therapeutic interventions have been used, but the beneficial effect
of foot orthoses have been shown in all of them. Different conclusions have been made on the influence of foot orthoses on walking ability. Some authors showed significant improvement walking ability, whereas others found no difference compared to controls. Few available studies and different methodological approaches used hampers the general conclusions and recommendations to be made. Further
investigations are needed to identify most effective foot orthoses for rheumatoid arthritis patients with foot problems. However, the author believes that foot orthoses can be effective in redistributing plantar pressures and thereby reducing foot pain in rheumatoid arthritis patients.

Keywords

rheumatoid arthritis; foot orthoses; foot pain; plantar pressures

Hrčak ID:

129208

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/129208

Publication date:

28.7.2006.

Article data in other languages: slovenian

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