Effect of custom-made foot orthoses in female hallux valgus after one-year follow up

Abstract

Background: Subtalar joint hyperpronation plays a fundamental role in the development of hallux valgus (HV). Foot orthotics have used to treat this condition and are aimed at preventing progression of the deformity.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine if the use of custom-made foot orthotics for 12 months prevented the advancement of HV in women.

Study Design: Prospective trial, using a repeated-measures design.

Methods: Fifty-four women with mild to moderate HV were divided into two groups: the experimental group used custom-made foot orthoses, and the control group used no treatment. First intermetatarsal (IMA) and hallux abductus (HAA) angles were measured at the beginning of the study and after 12-months follow up. Inter-group comparisons were made of these angles at both times of measurement, and intra-group comparisons between the two times of measurement.

Results: The initial HAA was similar in both groups (19.92 ± 4.25 degrees for the control group, 20.55 ± 5.10 degrees for the experimental group; p = 0.392), and also the IMA (10.56 ± 2.45 degrees for the control group, 10.86 ± 2.33 for the experimental group; p = 0.618) There were no significant differences in the follow-up values of these angles (p = 0.395 and p = 0.288, respectively). There were no significant intra-group differences in the comparisons of the initial and follow-up angles.

Conclusions: HV did not have a significantly slower evolution in participants of the experimental group compared with controls. Custom-made orthoses appear to have no effect in the evolution of mild and moderate HV during a 12 month period.