A preliminary study on the effect of computer-aided designed and manufactured orthoses on chronic plantar heel pain

Abstract

Introduction. Chronic plantar heel pain (CPHP) is a significant, painful condition referring to a range of undifferentiated foot conditions that affect the heel of the foot. Method. Participants presenting with CPHP of more than 6 months’ duration were recruited on a first through the door basis. Computer- Aided Design and Computer-Aided Manufactured (CAD-CAM) orthoses were designed and constructed for each participant, then dispensed as per normal practice. Pre- and postintervention assessment of pain was performed at baseline and after 6 weeks of use, utilizing the pain subset of the Foot Function Index (FFI). Results. There was a significant reduction in the mean pain scores for all participants in all constructs of the FFI. Total FFI score was also significant (P = .003). Conclusion. CAD-CAM orthoses have the potential to become a treatment modality of choice in CPHP since they have resulted in a significant improvement in heel pain after only 6 weeks’ use.