[Rheumatic forefoot deformities]

[Rheumatism operations in a state of flux-"Foot"]

Surgical management of rheumatic feet has dramatically changed over the last decades influenced by the development of new pharmacological drugs and tissue-preserving surgical procedures. It has switched from joint resection to joint-sparing procedures as the method of choice. Nevertheless, the surgical interventions commonly used for non-rheumatic patients cannot be applied to rheumatic patients without reflection: in addition to the basic treatment, comorbidities, degree of mobilization of the patient, orthopedic shoe engineering and orthotic treatment play a major role. Due to the decreasing incidence of the classical rheumatic foot, it has become even more important for physicians, physiotherapists and ergotherapists to recognize the development of such a disease as early as possible and immediately start the appropriate treatment.

[Forefoot relief with shoe inserts : Effects of different construction strategies]

BACKGROUND

Shoe inserts and shoe modifications are used to reduce plantar peak pressure. The effects of different shoe inserts and shoe construction strategies for relief of the forefoot have not yet been sufficiently evaluated.

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of shoe inserts and shoe construction strategies (e.g. metatarsal pad, forefoot cushioning and control) and shoe modifications (e.g. flexible or stiff) on the peak plantar pressure in the forefoot region.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In this study 15 healthy subjects were recruited. Plantar pressure distribution was measured using an in-shoe system during walking (3.5km∙h^-1) on a treadmill and the average plantar peak pressure (kPa) in the forefoot was calculated. The statistics for testing the hypothesis were carried out using 2‑factorial ANOVA with repeat measurements (factors: shoe, insert; α = 0.05).

RESULTS

The metatarsal pad and forefoot cushioning led to a reduction of peak pressure, which was statistically significant compared to the control condition (p = 0.009). No differences were observed between both shoe inserts (p > 0.05). A comparison between stiff and flexible shoes revealed a statistically significant pressure reduction in favor of stiff shoes (p = 0.0001). The metatarsal pad led to a peak pressure increase in the midfoot of 12% and by 21% compared to control and forefoot cushioning, respectively.

DISCUSSION

A peak pressure reduction in the forefoot can be achieved with a metatarsal pad or with cushioning; however, the metatarsal pad resulted in a subsequent increase in midfoot pressure. Moreover, shoe construction is crucial because a stiff shoe contributes to a better peak pressure reduction compared to a flexible shoe. Prospective clinical studies should be carried out to prove whether this results in beneficial effects for patients with metatarsalgia.

[Metatarsalgia: Differential diagnosis and therapy]

Metatarsalgia refers to localized or generalized forefoot pain in the region of the metatarsal heads. Symptoms can be isolated or in combination with accompanying deformities occurring in the forefoot and/or hindfoot. Anamnesis and clinical investigation usually yield to the diagnosis, the underlying cause on the other hand is not always easy to identify. In the foreground of the treatment is the exhaustion of conservative forms of therapy to minimize the symptoms of local pressure increase and callus under the metatarsal heads. In addition, various surgical methods are available, such as corrective osteotomy of the metatarsale bone, soft tissue interventions and the correction of associated deformities. The indications for surgical intervention should be made with caution in order to avoid failures and complaints persisting after surgery. The most common problems are an inadequate indication for surgery, technical problems and insufficient postoperative treatment.