Article

Hallux limitus is one of the most common disorders affecting foot
biomechanics. Custom-made foot orthoses can improve the function of the first
metatarso-phalangeal joint. OBJECTIVES: The objective underlying this study was
to test whether custom-made foot orthoses increased the range of mobility of
metatarso-phalangeal joint in patients with hallux limitus. STUDY DESIGN:
Randomized, double-blinded, and clinical trial. METHODS:
The study consisted of
20 participants (40 feet) diagnosed with hallux limitus.
A control group and an
experimental group both wore the same custom-made foot orthoses and, in the
experimental group, a support element under the first metatarso-phalangeal joint
was added to the orthoses. Two measurements were made with both groups: the
relaxed position of the first metatarso-phalangeal joint and the maximum
extension of the hallux. These measurements were made before first placing the
foot orthoses and 6 months after application of the treatment. RESULTS: In the
experimental group, the results showed an improvement of 4.5 degrees in the
relaxed position and 22.2 degrees in the maximum extension being statistically
significant (p < 0.001) for both measurements. CONCLUSION: Custom-made foot
orthoses with added support under the first metatarso-phalangeal joint were
proved to be an effective treatment to restore functionality of this joint in
hallux limitus patients. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Limitation of hallux movement in the
joints propulsive phase of gait negatively affects the biomechanics of the lower
extremity, causing changes in the rest of the joins. The use of foot orthoses
designed in this study restores range of motion of the first metatarso-phalangeal
joint.
CI - (c) The International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics 2015.

Langue : ANGLAIS