Article

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory joint disease which
affects the joints and soft tissues of the foot and ankle. Rocker shoes may be
prescribed for the symptomatic foot in rheumatoid arthritis; however, there is a
limited evidence base to support the use of rocker shoes in these patients.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of
heel-to-toe rocker shoes on pain, disability, and activity limitation in patients
with rheumatoid arthritis. METHODS: Seventeen
female patients with rheumatoid arthritis of 1 year or more duration, disease
activity score of less than 2.6, and foot and ankle pain were recruited.
Heel-to-toe rocker shoe was made according to each patient's foot size. All the
patients were evaluated immediately, 7 and 30 days after their first visit. Foot
Function Index values were recorded at each appointment. RESULTS: With the use of
rocker shoes, Foot Function Index values decreased in all subscales. This
reduction was noted in the first visit and was maintained throughout the trials.
CONCLUSION: Rocker shoe can improve pain, disability, and activity limitation in
patients with rheumatoid foot pain. All the subjects reported improved comfort
levels. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The results of this study showed that high-top,
heel-to-toe rocker shoe with wide toe box was effective at reducing foot and
ankle pain. It was also regarded as comfortable and acceptable footwear by the
patients with rheumatoid foot problems.
CI - (c) The International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics 2013.

Langue : ANGLAIS