Riassunto dello studio

A total of 104 patients with plantar fasciitis were randomized to receive either prefabricated orthotics plus orthotic sandals (n=52) or prefabricated orthotics alone (n=52). The primary outcome of interest was the change in foot pain, assessed using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS). Secondary outcomes of interest included the pain subscale of the Foot Health Status Questionnaire (FHSQ) and foot functionality (measured using the function subscale of the FHSQ), and symptom change measured using the Global Rating of Change (GROC) scale. Outcomes were assessed at 3 and 6 weeks, and 3 and 6 months. The results revealed that both groups experienced statistically significant reductions in foot pain and improvements in foot functionality and overall symptoms over six months. The intervention group, which received both orthotics and orthotic sandals, demonstrated superior outcomes across all measures compared to the control group, which received orthotics alone. However, statistical significance between groups was only reached on the NRS pain score, suggesting a greater decrease in foot pain for those using both the orthotic and orthotic sandals in combination. These results suggest that the use of prefabricated orthotics combined with orthotic sandals provides greater foot pain relief and improved foot function in plantar fasciitis than prefabricated orthotics alone.