By Jordana Bieze Foster
A custom-molded silicone toe separator can help reduce hallux valgus angle and pain in patients with hallux valgus, according to research from Thailand.
Investigators from Siriraj Hospital in Bangkok analyzed 79 patients with moderate hallux valgus who were randomized into two groups. Both groups received foot care, footwear recommendations, and pain medications for one year; the 40 patients in the intervention group also were instructed to wear a toe separator, custom molded from room- temperature vulcanization silicone, for six hours per night.
After one year, the mean hallux valgus angle for the patients in the intervention group had decreased by 3.3°, while in the control group it had increased by 1.9°; in both groups, the change from baseline was statistically significant.
The patients in the intervention group also experienced a significant decrease in hallux pain between baseline and one year.
The findings were epublished on March 20 by Prosthetics & Orthotics International.
Source:
Chadchavalpanichaya N, Prakotmongkol V, Polhan N, et al. Effectiveness of custom-mold room temperature vulcanizing silicone toe separator on hallux valgus: A prospective, randomized single-blinded controlled trial. Prosth Orthot Int 2017 Mar 20. [Epub ahead of print]
