Immediate effects of foot orthoses on pain during functional tasks in people with patellofemoral osteoarthritis: A cross-over, proof-of-concept study.
BACKGROUND
The purpose of the study was to determine whether prefabricated foot orthoses immediately reduce pain during functional tasks in people with patellofemoral osteoarthritis, compared to flat insoles and shoes alone.


METHODS
Eighteen people with predominant lateral patellofemoral osteoarthritis (nine women; mean [SD] age 59 [10]years; body mass index 27.9 [3.2]kg/m2) performed functional tasks wearing running sandals, and then wearing foot orthoses and flat insoles (random order). Participants rated knee pain during each task (11-point numerical rating scales), ease of performance and knee stability (five-point Likert scales), and comfort (100mm visual analogue scales).


RESULTS
Compared to shoes alone, foot orthoses (p=0.002; median difference 1.5 [IQR 3]) and flat insoles (p<0.001; 2 [3]) significantly reduced pain during step-downs; foot orthoses reduced pain during walking (p=0.008; 1 [1.25]); and flat insoles reduced pain during stair ambulation (p=0.001; 1 [1.75]). No significant differences between foot orthoses and flat insoles were observed for pain severity, ease of performance or knee stability. Foot orthoses were less comfortable than flat insoles and shoes alone (p<0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
In people with patellofemoral osteoarthritis, immediate pain-relieving effects of prefabricated, contoured foot orthoses are equivalent to flat insoles. Further studies should investigate whether similar outcomes occur with longer-term wear or different orthosis designs.
School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia; Department of Mechanical Engineering, Melbourne School of Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia. Electronic address: n.collins1@uq.edu.au.
Natalie J
NJ
Collins
Department of Physiotherapy, School of Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.
Rana S
RS
Hinman
La Trobe Sport and Exercise Medicine Research Centre, School of Allied Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia.
Hylton B
HB
Menz
School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia; La Trobe Sport and Exercise Medicine Research Centre, School of Allied Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia.
Kay M
KM
Crossley
D015992:Body Mass Index; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D005260:Female; D061826:Foot Orthoses; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020370:Osteoarthritis, Knee / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D046788:Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012775:Shoes; D013997:Time Factors; D016138:Walking
Foot orthoses; Osteoarthritis; Patellofemoral joint; Shoe inserts