The effects of a new foot-toe orthosis in treating painful hallux valgus.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the effects of a new foot-toe orthosis on painful hallux valgus.


METHODS
Uncontrolled intervention study.


METHODS
An outpatient clinic in a tertiary medical center with an orthotic laboratory in Taiwan.


METHODS
Seventeen patients with painful hallux valgus.


METHODS
Application of a new total contact insole with fixed toe separator.


METHODS
The hallux valgus angle, an 11-point numeric rating scale (NRS-11) for pain assessment, and walking ability scale.


RESULTS
The average hallux valgus angle reduction +/- standard deviation was 6.5 degrees +/-3.8 degrees after insole application (P<.001). An improvement on the NRS-11 pain scale from 4.06+/-2.8 to 0.88+/-1.17 (P<.001) was noted after immediate insole application and was.42+/-.67 (P=.002) 3 months later for the 12 patients who completed the study. The walking ability scale improved at least 1 grade or more after the insole was worn for 3 months (P=.002). All patients tolerated the insole well without any clinical evidence of skin ulcers or blisters.


CONCLUSIONS
Our new total contact insole with fixed toe separator reduced pain, and improved walking ability and the hallux valgus angle. It is an effective alternative treatment for patients with painful hallux valgus.
Tang
Simon F
SF
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan. fitang@adm.cgmh.org.tw
Chen
Carl P
CP
Pan
Jen-Li
JL
Chen
Jean-Lon
JL
Leong
Chau-Peng
CP
Chu
Ngok-Kiu
NK
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D006215:Hallux Valgus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009989:Orthotic Devices; D011859:Radiography; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D016138:Walking