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Foot orthoses in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis: a randomised controlled trial
  1. Andrea Coda1,
  2. Peter W Fowlie2,
  3. Joyce E Davidson3,
  4. Jo Walsh4,
  5. Tom Carline5,
  6. Derek Santos5
  1. 1Department of Podiatry, The University of Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
  2. 2Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, UK
  3. 3Royal Hospital for Sick Children, Edinburgh, UK
  4. 4Royal Hospital for Sick Children (Yorkhill), Glasgow, UK
  5. 5Department of Podiatry, Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, UK
  1. Correspondence to Dr Andrea Coda, Podiatry Lecturer, Health Precinct Building, BE154, PO Box 127, School of Health Science, Faculty of Health Medicine, University of Newcastle, Ourimbah, NSW, 2258, Australia; Andrea.Coda{at}newcastle.edu.au

Abstract

Introduction There is limited evidence supporting the podiatric treatment of children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). This multicentre randomised controlled trial aimed to determine whether preformed foot orthoses (FOs) impacted on pain and quality of life (QoL) in children with JIA.

Methods Eligible children were randomised to receive either ‘fitted’ FOs with customised chair-side corrections or ‘control’ FOs made without corrections. Changes in pain and QoL were measured using a visual analogue scale and Paediatric Quality of Life questionnaire, respectively. JIA children were assessed at baseline, 3 months and 6 months.

Results 60 children were recruited. 179 out of a possible 180 assessments (99.4%) were completed. A statistically significant greater difference in pain reduction (baseline—6 months) was seen between the two groups favouring fitted FOs (p=0.029). The reduction in pain in the fitted FOs group was clinically important (8 mm). Significant differences in QoL favouring fitted FOs were also identified as measured by the children and independently by their parents/carers.

Conclusions Fitted FOs may reduce pain and improve QoL in selected children with JIA.

Trial registration number NCT02001844.

  • Rheumatology
  • Paediatric Practice

https://doi.org/10.1136/archdischild-2013-305166

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