Abstract
In this work, 3D printing technology was used to fabricate foot orthoses to treat flatfoot and hallux valgus deformity, which are the most prevalent causes of foot pain in clinics. Seventysix flatfoot volunteers completed the randomized controlled experiment. The volunteers were divided into 3 groups. Groups A and B wore 3D printed silicone medial arch supports with hardness values of 70 and 35 shore OO, respectively. Group C, a control group, wore customized full-length insoles that were normally used in clinical practice for foot pain relief. The volunteers wore foot orthoses for 12 weeks. At weeks 2, 6 and 12, the volunteers were examined for pain score, foot pressure, foot function and their satisfaction. The results showed statistically significant improvement in pain score, foot pressure, and foot function after using both arch supports. The satisfaction scores in both arch support groups were comparable to that of the control group. Future work will be focused on improving the technical adherence of the arch support. A long-term test, as well as broadening the application of the arch support to reduce foot pain for foot related diseases other than flatfoot are recommended. Regarding toe separator, twenty-six volunteers with hallux valgus deformities completed the uncontrolled experiment. The volunteers wore toe separators for 12 weeks. At weeks 2 and 12, the volunteers were examined for pain score, foot function and hallux valgus angle. The results showed statistically significant improvement in pain score and foot function after using toe separator. The hallux valgus angle decreased insignificantly. Future work will be focused on a long-term randomized controlled study with a large number of patients. In addition, the adjustment of the hallux valgus angle correction according to the hallux valgus severity is recommended.
