In a nutshell
This study investigated the effectiveness of footwear on foot pain and function in patients with foot and ankle arthritis. The authors determined that footwear interventions were associated with reduced pain and improved function and mobility in patients with arthritis of the foot and ankle.
Some background
Arthritis causes pain and inflammation in the joints of the body. Over time, this can cause reduced function and impair patient mobility. This is particularly common in patients that have arthritis in the foot and ankle joint.
Footwear is an important non-drug treatment for arthritis. By using footwear that provides additional support and cushioning, pain can be reduced and mobility can be improved. This has a great positive impact on quality of life. Although footwear is an important aspect of arthritis care, it is unknown if it has any clinical effectiveness (improving symptoms).
Methods & findings
This study investigated if footwear intervention has any clinical effectiveness in the treatment of foot and ankle arthritis.
This study reviewed 11 trials that investigated footwear intervention for the treatment of a number of types of arthritis that can affect the ankle and foot: rheumatoid arthritis, gout and first metatarsophalangeal joint osteoarthritis (1MTP OA). Footwear interventions included off-the-shelf footwear, therapeutic footwear and footwear with foot orthoses (inserts that help support the feet).
Footwear intervention was associated with improvements in foot pain, function, impairment and disability in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and similarly for patients with gout. Patients with 1MTP OA have reduced foot pain and improved function from footwear intervention.
The bottom line
They concluded that footwear interventions were associated with reduced pain and improved function and mobility in patients with rheumatoid arthritis of the foot and ankle.
The fine print
The number of studies included in this review was relatively small. Larger controlled trials will determine the effectiveness of footwear intervention and the ideal features (e.g. cushioning, biomechanical design) that should be used.
What’s next?
If you have any concerns regarding arthritis treatment and footwear intervention, please discuss with your physician.
Published By :
Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism
Date :
Oct 31, 2017
