Prefabricated Versus Custom Orthotics on Improving Plantar Fasciitis Pain in the General Population
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Abstract
Focused Clinical Question: In patients with plantar fasciitis, what is the effect of custom orthotics compared to prefabricated orthotics on pain reduction?
Search Strategy: Online databases including PubMed, Cochrane library, and ProQuest Nursing Collection were utilized for the search. Search terms included “plantar fasciitis”, “prefabricated orthotic”, “custom orthotic”, “orthotic comparison”, “plantar fasciitis”, and “generic orthotic”. 828 articles were found using the search terms. The search results were narrowed down to 8 articles that answered the PICO question and these were used for the critically appraised topic.
Evidence Quality Assessment: All articles were appraised utilizing the PEDro and Oxford scoring systems. All but one article was a “2” Oxford score as they were randomized study designs. The mean PEDro score of all articles is an “8” with the lowest rated article being a “4” and the highest being a “10” indicating the articles being of high quality as most of the participants were blinded, randomized, and completed the entire duration of the study.
Results of Search: It was found that participants in all the studies conducted reported a statistically significant decrease in pain after the use of custom and prefabricated foot orthotics for plantar fasciitis pain (p0.05). Limitations of this literature review include variable treatment durations and outcome measurements. Additionally, some studies provided additional treatment to the orthotics thus not being able to attribute improvements in pain to solely the orthotics.
Clinical Scenario: Athletes, adults, and the elderly populations can all be affected by plantar fasciitis pain. Finding a cost-effective and successful treatment is important as plantar fasciitis pain can affect the functionality of the individual’s activities of daily life. If the use of custom or prefabricated orthotics can decrease patient’s reported pain, the general population will greatly benefit.
Clinical Bottom Line: Evidence indicates both customized and prefabricated orthotics are effective at reducing reported pain and beneficial at improving overall foot functionality. Prefabricated orthotics are easy to access and available at most convenience stores, making the treatment accessible and affordable for the general population. A SORT score of A is given for this recommendation since it originates from high-quality, patient-oriented research articles that have consistent findings.
Implications: Orthotics are an effective tool in treating plantar fasciitis. Patients looking to use orthotics for plantar fasciitis may select orthotic type based on preference and available resources. If cost is a considering factor, patients may opt for the prefabricated orthotics which are more affordable than custom made orthotics. Further research should be conducted to determine the ideal duration and type of orthotic use.
College
College of Nursing & Health Sciences
Department
Health, Exercise & Rehabilitative Sciences
First Advisor/Mentor
Nora Kraemer
Second Advisor/Mentor
Brian Zeller
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Format of Presentation or Performance
Pre-Recorded Video
Prefabricated Versus Custom Orthotics on Improving Plantar Fasciitis Pain in the General Population
Focused Clinical Question: In patients with plantar fasciitis, what is the effect of custom orthotics compared to prefabricated orthotics on pain reduction?
Search Strategy: Online databases including PubMed, Cochrane library, and ProQuest Nursing Collection were utilized for the search. Search terms included “plantar fasciitis”, “prefabricated orthotic”, “custom orthotic”, “orthotic comparison”, “plantar fasciitis”, and “generic orthotic”. 828 articles were found using the search terms. The search results were narrowed down to 8 articles that answered the PICO question and these were used for the critically appraised topic.
Evidence Quality Assessment: All articles were appraised utilizing the PEDro and Oxford scoring systems. All but one article was a “2” Oxford score as they were randomized study designs. The mean PEDro score of all articles is an “8” with the lowest rated article being a “4” and the highest being a “10” indicating the articles being of high quality as most of the participants were blinded, randomized, and completed the entire duration of the study.
Results of Search: It was found that participants in all the studies conducted reported a statistically significant decrease in pain after the use of custom and prefabricated foot orthotics for plantar fasciitis pain (p0.05). Limitations of this literature review include variable treatment durations and outcome measurements. Additionally, some studies provided additional treatment to the orthotics thus not being able to attribute improvements in pain to solely the orthotics.
Clinical Scenario: Athletes, adults, and the elderly populations can all be affected by plantar fasciitis pain. Finding a cost-effective and successful treatment is important as plantar fasciitis pain can affect the functionality of the individual’s activities of daily life. If the use of custom or prefabricated orthotics can decrease patient’s reported pain, the general population will greatly benefit.
Clinical Bottom Line: Evidence indicates both customized and prefabricated orthotics are effective at reducing reported pain and beneficial at improving overall foot functionality. Prefabricated orthotics are easy to access and available at most convenience stores, making the treatment accessible and affordable for the general population. A SORT score of A is given for this recommendation since it originates from high-quality, patient-oriented research articles that have consistent findings.
Implications: Orthotics are an effective tool in treating plantar fasciitis. Patients looking to use orthotics for plantar fasciitis may select orthotic type based on preference and available resources. If cost is a considering factor, patients may opt for the prefabricated orthotics which are more affordable than custom made orthotics. Further research should be conducted to determine the ideal duration and type of orthotic use.
