Background: 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° in the relaxed position and 22.2° 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.
Keywords: Hallux limitus; custom-made foot orthoses; first metatarso-phalangeal joint.
© The International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics 2015.