Comparison between the plantar pressure effects of toe separators and insoles in patients with hallux valgus at a one-month follow-up

Abstract

Background: Various designs of foot orthoses for hallux valgus have been developed to reduce foot pain. The plantar pressure assessment can determine the better intervention. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of plantar pressure distribution in patients with hallux valgus during walking with toe separator and insole.

Method: Patients with hallux valgus were randomized into one of two interventions: prefabricated toe separator or customized insole. The plantar pressure distribution of the participants was measured during walking with the devices after use for one month with an in-shoe measurement system.

Results: Twenty-three participants were analyzed. After 1-month, significant peak pressures and pressure-time integral reductions were observed during walking in the middle forefoot (64.28 kPa and 28.97 kPa s, respectively) and lateral forefoot regions (54.03 kPa and 22.30 kPa s, respectively) after insole use compared with a toe separator.

Conclusions: After one month of use, the customized insole was more effective in plantar pressure reduction than the toe separator for a hallux deformity.

Keywords: Hallux valgus; In-shoe plantar pressure measurement; Insole; Toe sepator.