A Preliminary Study on the Effect of Computer-Aided Designed and Manufactured Orthoses on Chronic Plantar Heel Pain. Issue 2 (April 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gatt, Alfred; Grech, Mark; Chockalingam, Nachiappan; Formosa, Cynthia
• Is Part Of: Foot & ankle specialist. Volume 11:Issue 2(2018)
• Page Start: 112
• Page End: 116
• Publication Date: 2018-04
• Subjects: heel -- rearfoot -- ankle -- heel and arch pain -- pain management -- orthotic therapy -- diagnostic and therapeutic techniques; Podiatry -- Periodicals; Orthopedics -- Periodicals; Foot -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Foot -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Ankle -- Surgery -- Periodicals; 617.585
• DOI: 10.1177/1938640017709906
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1938-6400

Abstract

Introduction . Chronic plantar heel pain (CPHP) is a significant, painful condition referring to a range of undifferentiated foot conditions that affect the heel of the foot. Method . Participants presenting with CPHP of more than 6 months' duration were recruited on a first through the door basis. Computer-Aided Design and Computer-Aided Manufactured (CAD-CAM) orthoses were designed and constructed for each participant, then dispensed as per normal practice. Pre- and postintervention assessment of pain was performed at baseline and after 6 weeks of use, utilizing the pain subset of the Foot Function Index (FFI). Results . There was a significant reduction in the mean pain scores for all participants in all constructs of the FFI. Total FFI score was also significant ( P = .003). Conclusion . CAD-CAM orthoses have the potential to become a treatment modality of choice in CPHP since they have resulted in a significant improvement in heel pain after only 6 weeks' use. Levels of Evidence: Therapeutic, Level IV: Prospective, comparative trial