1. Metatarsalgia: Clinical Profile and Comfort from Foot Orthoses Treatment.
- Author
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Robb, Kelly A. and Ryan, Michael B.
- Subjects
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PAIN measurement , *SELF-evaluation , *PEARSON correlation (Statistics) , *T-test (Statistics) , *SEX distribution , *RETROSPECTIVE studies , *ORTHOPEDIC apparatus , *FOOT abnormalities , *DESCRIPTIVE statistics , *MANN Whitney U Test , *CHI-squared test , *AGE distribution , *METATARSALGIA , *PAIN , *MEDICAL records , *ACQUISITION of data , *FOOT orthoses , *HUMAN comfort , *PATIENT satisfaction , *DATA analysis software , *COMPARATIVE studies , *SYMPTOMS - Abstract
Introduction: The biomechanical factors influencing metatarsalgia etiology have been well documented; however, patient characteristics of individuals suffering from this condition and the effectiveness of foot orthosis therapy remain unknown. Objectives: The objectives of this study were 1) to characterize the metatarsalgia profile of patients seeking treatment in a footwear and orthotic clinic, and 2) to explore the association between comfort and pain in patients with metatarsalgia who were treated with foot orthosis intervention. Study Design: This study is a retrospective chart review. Methods: Metatarsalgia assessment and follow-up data (case group n = 2137) were extracted from a research database (control group n = 82,822) from patients visiting a private foot care clinic. A clinical assessment was performed by a Canadian-certified pedorthist, and footwear recommendations and bilateral custom foot orthoses were provided to all patients. Feet were casted using a three-dimensional volumetric laser scanner. Orthoses (80% of cases) were manufactured from a direct mill polypropylene shell; additional rearfoot, forefoot postings, and/or metatarsal support was added according to the patient’s personalized treatment plan. Results: Eighty-one percent (81%) of metatarsalgia patients reported symptom improvement following custom orthoses treatment. The average pain reduction from the orthotic intervention was 58.55%. The average self-reported comfort scores were 7.7 ± 2.2/10 at follow-up. Compared with our control group, patients with metatarsalgia were more frequently self-identified as females, over 51 years of age, and the condition was observed in a higher prevalence of high cavus feet. Conclusions: Our results suggest that a pes cavus foot posture is a biomechanical risk factor to the development of metatarsalgia. Custom foot orthoses that are manufactured according to a patient’s personalized treatment plan are an effective conservative treatment option for pain reduction in patients suffering from metatarsalgia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
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