Foot orthotics decrease pain but do not improve gait in rheumatoid arthritis patients.
OBJECTIVE
Prescribing foot orthotics in rheumatoid arthritis patients with symptomatic forefoot involvement is a standard practice. However, limited research has been reported regarding gait and pain improvement with the use of foot orthotics.


METHODS
Sixteen patients (13 F, 3 M; mean age: 52 +/- 12 years) with metatarsalgia due to rheumatoid arthritis were included in this prospective, randomized with crossover study, and received foot orthotics. At 1 month follow-up, space and time gait variables with and without foot orthotics were assessed by Bessou's locometer; pain was assessed by visual analogue scale (VAS).


RESULTS
Pain levels significantly decreased (P = 0.008) by wearing foot orthotics. Despite a significant step length increase (P = 0.05) with orthotics, there was no significant improvement of stride length, cadence, or walking speed which was the main assessment criterion.


CONCLUSIONS
Wearing foot orthotics improves pain, but not sufficiently to improve gait in rheumatoid arthritis patients with metatarsalgia. Foot orthotics improved comfort levels because of a decrease in pain, but was not sufficient to correct gait.
Mejjad
Othmane
O
Department of Rheumatology, CHU de Rouen, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, 76031 Rouen, France. othmane.mejjad@chu-rouen.fr
Vittecoq
Olivier
O
Pouplin
Sophie
S
Grassin-Delyle
Léocadie
L
Weber
Jacques
J
Le Loët
Xavier
X
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D005260:Female; D005528:Foot; D005684:Gait; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009989:Orthotic Devices; D010146:Pain / Q000503:physiopathology; D059408:Pain Management; D011446:Prospective Studies; D017211:Treatment Failure