title: The efficacy of adjustable toe splint on decreasing metatarsalgia in patients with lesser toe deformity: a prospective, randomized single-blinded controlled trial.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To study the effectiveness in application of adjustable toe splint in decreasing metatarsalgia in patients with lesser toe deformity and the complication of adjustable toe splint usage.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirty-six patients who had claw toes or hammer toes with metatarsalgia were enrolled in aprospective, randomized single-blinded controlled trial at the Out Patient Rehabilitation Medicine Clinic, Siriraj Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand between March and September 2011. Patients were randomized into two groups, the study group (using adjustable toe splint for 2 weeks) and the control group. Patients in both groups were advised as well to use proper shoes.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All patients in each group completed the study. The baseline characteristics of the patients in both groups were similar The present study group reported more decrease pain at metatarsal heads and dorsum of toes than the control group (p < 0.05). Two patients reported complications from toe splint usage as toe abrasions.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Using adjustable toe splint can decrease the metatarsalgia in patient with lesser toe deformity.
authors: Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand. drnavaporn@gmail.com
authors: Navaporn
authors: N
authors: Chadchavalpanichaya
authors: Wanrachada
authors: W
authors: Katchamart
authors: Thanatat
authors: T
authors: Charatrungolan
authors: Pakwan
authors: P
authors: Nualnim
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D037801:Hammer Toe Syndrome / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D037061:Metatarsalgia / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010147:Pain Measurement; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D013165:Splints