Effect of functional foot orthoses on first metatarsophalangeal joint dorsiflexion in stance and gait

Reduction in first metatarsophalangeal joint maximum degree of dorsiflexion with dorsiflexion of the first ray has been proposed to be the predominant cause of hallux abducto valgus and hallux rigidus. We sought to determine whether orthoses made from a cast with the first ray plantarflexed and a 4-mm medial skive could increase the maximum degree of dorsiflexion in patients with functional hallux limitus in stance and gait. Forty-eight feet of 27 subjects were casted for orthoses with the first ray plantarflexed and in the customary neutral rearfoot position with locked midtarsal joint. First metatarsophalangeal joint maximum dorsiflexion was measured with and without orthoses in stance, and subhallux pressure was measured with and without orthoses at heel-off. Changes in mean maximum dorsiflexion in stance and in mean maximum subhallux pressure in gait with orthoses were significant. We investigated the relationship between this increase in dorsiflexion and gender, shoe size, resting calcaneal stance position, and change in resting calcaneal stance position with the use of orthoses. These correlations were not statistically significant. The biomechanical implication of increasing limited first metatarsophalangeal joint dorsiflexion with orthoses is discussed and related to the clinical treatment of deformities, including hallux valgus and hallux rigidus. The use of orthoses to decrease subhallux pressure is also discussed.     

Dynamic foot orthoses. Principles and application

Previous research has identified areas under the foot where stimulation evokes specific tonic reflexes. The term "tonic" is used because these reflex movements occur slowly, as if tonus or tension were accumulating, in contrast to the abrupt phasic response of a tendon jerk. The concept of tonic reactions has now been incorporated into the design of dynamic foot orthoses to help provide improved orthotic treatment with a better functional outcome. This article describes the background of this technique, briefly describes the manufacture of the dynamic orthosis, and outlines some of its uses.     

Effect of cast and noncast foot orthoses on plantar pressure and force during normal gait

A variety of plantar pressure and force measures were explored in 22 healthy individuals with excessive pronation. The measures were obtained while the subjects wore a thin-soled athletic shoe alone, a modified Root foot orthosis made from a neutral cast, and a flat noncast insole with a 6 degrees varus rearfoot post. The data obtained from subjects wearing the noncast insole differed only minimally from those obtained while they were wearing the shoe only. In contrast, the modified Root orthosis had a profound effect on foot function. Heel forces and pressures were reduced, and the rearfoot contact area was increased. Measures of force in the midfoot demonstrated substantial increases in load in this region, but the increase in area associated with the contoured device resulted in no increase in midfoot pressure measurements. Forefoot pressures were reduced both medially and laterally with the cast device in place.     

The effect of rearfoot eversion on maximal hallux dorsiflexion. A preliminary study

Functional hallux limitus has been recently described as an etiologic factor in postural complaints. Eversion of the rearfoot has been theoretically linked to decreased hallux dorsiflexion, although there have been no scientific studies on this subject to date. This study was undertaken to investigate the relationship between rearfoot eversion and hallux dorsiflexion; the results show that hallux dorsiflexion is decreased with rearfoot eversion in a static setting.     

The effect of foot orthoses on patellofemoral pain syndrome

In a retrospective review of 102 patients treated for chondromalacia pa-tellae and patellofemoral pain syndrome/retropatellar dysplasia (PFPS/RPD), the effectiveness of semiflexible foot orthoses was investigated. The combined disorders were diagnosed in 89.3% of the patients. Subjects were 46 women and 54 men, aged 12 to 87 years (mean, 37.9 years; SD, 15.9), who exhibited excessive forefoot varus or rearfoot varus. The initial screening and clinical diagnosis were based on an examination by an orthopedist. Particular attention was directed to patellar crepitation, patellofemoral malalignment, Q-angle measurements, limitation of range of motion, and knee effusion. Patients were evaluated for the onset and duration of patellofemoral pain and degree of knee joint disease. Semiflexible orthoses for each subject were fabricated, based on a clinical lower extremity biomechanical examination. At their follow-up visit, 76.5% were improved and 2% were asymptomatic, showing a significant decrease in the level of pain with orthoses intervention (chi-square P <.001). Although multiple treatment modalities are used for these patients, the results suggest that the use of semiflexible orthoses is significant in reducing symptoms of PFPS/RPD.     

Effects of hallux limitus on plantar foot pressure and foot kinematics during walking

The effects of hallux limitus on plantar foot pressure and foot kinematics have received limited attention in the literature. Therefore, a study was conducted to assess the effects of limited first metatarsophalangeal joint mobility on plantar foot pressure. It was equally important to identify detection criteria based on plantar pressures and metatarsophalangeal joint kinematics, enabling differentiation between subjects affected by hallux limitus and people with normal hallux function. To further our understanding of the relation between midtarsal collapse and hallux limitus, kinematic variables relating to midtarsal pronation were also included in the study. Two populations of 19 subjects each, one with hallux limitus and the other free of functional abnormalities, were asked to walk at their preferred speed while plantar foot pressures were recorded along with three-dimensional foot kinematics. The presence of hallux limitus, structural or functional, caused peak plantar pressure under the hallux to build up significantly more and at a faster rate than under the first metatarsal head. Additional discriminators for hallux limitus were peak dorsiflexion of the first metatarsophalangeal joint, time to this peak value, peak pressure ratios of the first metatarsal head and the more lateral metatarsal heads, and time to maximal pressure under the fourth and fifth metatarsal heads. Finally, in approximately 20% of the subjects, with and without hallux limitus, midtarsal pronation occurred after heel lift, validating the claim that retrograde midtarsal pronation does occur.     

A critical review of the literature on foot orthoses

Many reports have been published on the value of foot orthoses in treating a variety of biomechanical problems. This article reports on the application of rules developed in the 1980s to assess the scientific rigor, and hence the clinical applicability, of these publications.     

Measurement of foot dorsiflexion: a modified Lidcombe template

The Lidcombe template was introduced in 1991 for the nonweightbearing assessment of ankle joint dorsiflexion, and it has shown excellent reliability in impaired and unimpaired adult populations. We discuss limitations of the original template and test the reliability of a modified apparatus in an adolescent population. Intrarater and interrater reliability were assessed for 14 children (28 limbs) aged 7 to 14 years, returning intraclass correlation coefficient (1,1) results of greater than 0.99 for both aspects of reliability.     

Effects of foot orthoses on patients with chronic ankle instability

Chronic instability of the ankle can be the result of mechanical and functional deficits. An acute ankle sprain can cause mechanical and functional instability, which may or may not respond to standard rehabilitation programs. Chronic instability results when there is persistent joint laxity of the ankle or when one or more components of neuromuscular control of the ankle are compromised. A loss of balance or postural control seems to be the most consistent finding among athletes with chronic instability of the ankle. Recent research in patients with acute and chronic ankle instability has revealed positive effects of foot orthoses on postural control. This article reviews the current research relevant to the use of foot orthoses in patients with chronic ankle instability and clarifies the suggested benefits and the shortcomings of these investigations.     

The effect of 5-degree valgus and varus rearfoot wedging on peak hallux dorsiflexion during gait

The dynamic effects of 5 degrees varus and valgus rearfoot wedging on peak hallux dorsiflexion were investigated in 30 asymptomatic subjects (5 males and 25 females). Statistically significant reductions in peak hallux dorsiflexion were found with rearfoot varus wedging and rearfoot valgus wedging. Furthermore, the reduction in peak hallux dorsiflexion occurring with rearfoot varus wedging was statistically significant compared with that associated with rearfoot valgus wedging. These findings have implications for the orthotic management of a variety of lower-limb pathologies.     

The effect of foot orthoses on transverse tibial rotation during walking

The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of two types of foot orthoses in controlling the magnitude and rate of internal tibial rotation, measured by the tibial pointer device, during walking. Ten subjects between the ages of 23 and 43 years volunteered to participate in the study. Prior to data collection, each subject was issued two types of foot orthoses: a pair of rigid, plastic orthoses with posting in either the forefoot or the rearfoot, and a pair of soft, accommodative, premolded orthoses with no posting. All subjects wore standardized footwear. Following a controlled break-in period for both footwear and orthoses, each subject was asked to walk at a self-selected speed over a 12-m walkway while the movement of internal tibial rotation was recorded with a video camera during five trials. The results indicated that both the rigid plastic and the accommodative foot orthoses significantly reduced the magnitude and the rate of internal tibial rotation. No significant difference was noted between the soft and rigid foot orthoses conditions.     

Static stance response to different types of foot orthoses

Many different types of foot orthoses are used to treat biomechanical dysfunction of the foot. Little evidence is available to guide clinicians in the selection of foot orthoses. The aim of this project was to determine whether resistance of the foot to supination or the Foot Posture Index could predict the static stance response to different types of prefabricated foot orthoses. The Foot Posture Index score was determined and resistance to supination was measured in 18 subjects (36 feet). Changes in the frontal plane calcaneal angle and navicular height were then measured as the subjects stood on six different types of foot orthoses. All orthoses resulted in an increase in navicular height, but only three orthoses changed the calcaneal angle in the frontal plane. Resistance to supination did not predict the response to the different types of orthoses, but the Foot Posture Index score was associated with changes from using some of the orthoses.     

Reliability of the foot posture index and traditional measures of foot position

Repeatable measures are essential for clinicians and researchers alike. Both need baseline measures that are reliable, as intervention effects cannot be accurately identified without consistent measures. The intrarater and interrater reliability of the new Foot Posture Index and current podiatric measures of foot position were assessed using a same-subject, repeated-measures study design across three age groups. The Foot Posture Index total score showed moderate reliability overall, demonstrating better reliability than most other current measures, although navicular height (normalized for foot length) was the single most reliable measure in adults. None of the tested measures exhibited adequate reliability in young children, and, with less-than-desirable reliability being demonstrated, most measures need to be interpreted accordingly when repeated measures are involved.     

定量评定踝足矫形器对痉挛型脑性瘫痪的疗效

目的探讨量表定量评定矫形器对脑瘫患儿的应用价值。方法选择年龄2～4岁的脑瘫粗大运动功能分级系统(GMFCS)Ⅱ～Ⅲ级的脑瘫患儿,随机分为踝足矫形器组25例与非矫形器组28例,同时进行康复功能训练。两组训练前后利用粗大运动功能量表(GMFM)中的D区(站立位)及E区(行走、跑、跳)进行粗大运动功能评定,利用Berg平衡量表进行平衡功能评定,利用踝关节活动范围角度的改变进行关节活动度(ROM)评定。比较两组痉挛型脑瘫患儿的疗效。结果干预前两组粗大运动功能、平衡功能及关节活动度无明显差异。而干预前与干预后非矫形器组、矫形器组组间均存在明显差异。结论踝足矫形器对痉挛型脑瘫患儿的粗大运动功能、平衡功能、关节活动度的改善起到积极作用。     

Chronic low-back pain and its response to custom-made foot orthoses

A new approach to treating chronic low-back pain with custom-made foot orthoses was investigated. The Quebec Back Pain Disability Scale was used to objectively assess the functional disability of 32 subjects at different times. Subjects in this prospective study experienced more than twice the improvement in alleviation of pain, and for twice as long, compared with subjects in a study using traditional back-pain treatment. The authors believe that the findings of this study may provide a new method by which patients with chronic low-back pain can be evaluated and treated.     

Changes in foot function with the use of Root and Blake orthoses

This study examined the effects of two designs of rigid foot orthoses on plantar pressure measurements and identified differences between the devices. While wearing modified Root- and Blake-style orthoses, 27 subjects were examined with the Electrodynogram (EDG) in-shoe pressure measurement system. Reliability testing was performed on the EDG data. Significant changes were observed in the temporal parameters of gait when subjects wore the orthoses. When the devices were used, the duration of some of the components of stance phase was altered, and the initiation of loading beneath the medial forefoot was delayed. A reduction in the total duration of loading at discrete sites beneath the heel and forefoot was also observed. The effects of the two orthoses were similar, with only small differences observed between the devices.     

Effects of prefabricated foot orthoses and soft insoles on postural stability in professional soccer players

Postural stability is an important component of skilled athletic activity. However, the effects of foot orthoses on stability have not been adequately addressed. This study measured postural sway in 30 asymptomatic professional soccer players in three standing positions and four underfoot conditions. The results revealed that the underfoot condition had no significant effect on sway in the mediolateral or anteroposterior planes; however, there was a trend toward less mediolateral sway when subjects stood in a unipedal position with prefabricated orthoses. These results suggest that insoles and foot orthoses have no significant beneficial or detrimental effects on postural stability in asymptomatic subjects. Clinically, this suggests that no improvements in balance performance could be expected with prophylactic use of insoles or orthoses but that clinicians may prescribe insoles and foot orthoses without fear of impairing postural performance in elite athletes.     

Effects of rearfoot-controlling orthotic treatment on dorsiflexion of the hallux in feet with abnormal subtalar pronation: a preliminary report

The aim of this study was to determine whether the treatment of abnormal subtalar pronation restores functional (as opposed to structural) limited dorsiflexion of the first metatarsophalangeal joint (functional hallux limitus). We studied 16 feet of eight individuals with abnormal subtalar pronation. Orthoses were made for all of the feet, and hallux dorsiflexion was measured during weightbearing. Each patient was unshod without the orthosis, unshod with the orthosis fitted on the same day, and unshod with the orthosis fitted approximately 5 months later. The results suggest that in functional hallux limitus caused by abnormal subtalar pronation, hallux dorsiflexion will gradually be restored by the use of foot orthoses to control the abnormal subtalar pronation.