EFFECT OF FULL CONTACT FOOT ORTHOSIS ON PLANTAR FASCIITIS

Background/Purpose: Plantar fasciitis (PF) is an inflammation of the foot plantar fascia, characterized by stiffness in the medial arch and ankle, especially during first steps, and can have a significant effect on activities of daily living. Insoles are one of the most often employed methods for the treatment of PF. The full contact foot orthosis is the most recommended, as it redistributes the load uniformly throughout the sole of the foot. However, few studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of this device and there is no consensus on which type of insole is the most adequate. The aim of the present study was to assess the effectiveness of a full contact foot orthosis regarding pain, foot function and quality of life in patients with PF.

Methods: Seventy-four patients were randomly allocated to an experimental group (n=37) using a full contact foot orthosis or a control group (n=37) using a sham insole. Evaluations were performed of pain (VAS), quality of life (SF-36), foot function (FFI and FSHQ), six-minute walk test and static/dynamic baropodometry (AM Cube FootWalk Pro program). The groups were evaluated at baseline and after 45, 90 and 180 days after randomization by a blinded evaluator.

Results: The groups were homogeneous at baseline regarding clinical and demographic characteristics. In the comparisons over time, we found better results for the experimental group for pain during walking on the right feet (p=0.008 – Figure 1). In the intragroup analysis we found in both groups improvement regarding pain during walking on the left feet, the six-minute walk test, foot function and some quality of life parameters, with no statistically significant differences between groups. No changes in foot pressure were found with the use of the insole.

Conclusion: The benefit of the use of full contact foot orthosis for the treatment of PF was restricted to the improvement in pain during walking in right feet.