Harvard University of Medical Sciences Waltham, Massachusetts, United States
Research Objectives: To investigate the effect of arch support insoles on symptomatic relief and stability in plantar fasciitis patients
Design: Single-arm clinical trial/ follow-ups included 4th week, 8th week, and 12th week
Setting: Massachusetts General Hospital-referral center
Participants: Individuals with plantar fasciitis between the ages of 18 and 65 years old were recruited (N=15).
Interventions: Arch support insoles (Good Feet, Dr.’s Own, LLC) along with sneakers (Brooks Sports, Inc.) were prescribed for daily use over a period of three months.
Main Outcome Measures: - Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) pain intensity and pain interference questionnaires - American Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) questionnaire - Sway in the center of pressure measured in barefoot, shod without insole, and shod with insole conditions
Results: Clinical assessments revealed three patients with isolated tenderness in either anteromedial heel, central heel, or mid-arch areas, while others experienced pain in all or some of these areas. Moreover, the rate of post-static dyskinesia was determined to be 46%. Pain scores showed a significant improvement throughout the study, starting at 4th week’s follow-up visit (Table 1.). The midfoot subscale of the AOFAS was also improved (p=0.01). The sway in the COP was decreased in both anteroposterior and mediolateral directions while wearing the shoes and insoles compared to the shoe alone (p=0.001, Table 2.).
Conclusions: Partial length arch supports alleviated pain in plantar fasciitis patients. Moreover, these insoles improved the stability in the coronal plane and compensated for the decreased stability in the sagittal plane that probably was caused by the sneakers. These insoles seem to be beneficial in reducing the symptoms of plantar fasciitis; however, we suggest future studies with larger populations to be focused on a more comprehensive set of parameters of balance and functional improvement.
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