Aims: The aim of this study was to compare the clinical evaluations, disease impact, disability and foot function of symptomatic flexible pes planus (SFPP) deformity patients treated with the University of California at Berkeley Laboratory (UCBL) foot orthosis and Kinesio tape (KT) to those treated only with the UCBL orthosis.
Methods: A total of 100 feet in 50 subjects with a mean age of 77.10 months were included in the study. The subjects were divided into two groups: Group 1 (UCBL foot orthosis with KT, n=27) and Group 2 (UCBL-alone, n=23). Group 1 consisted of 27 patients (14 girls, 13 boys) with an average age of 62 months (range: 25 to 165), while Group 2 consisted of 23 patients (10 girls,13 boys) with an average age of 63 months (range: 30 to 166). Various assessments, including American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores, anteroposterior and lateral talocalcaneal and talo-first metatarsal angles, talonavicular angle, calcaneal pitch angle and clinical examinations, were conducted to foot-specific disease activity, and foot function.
Results: Group 1 exhibited mild-to-moderate foot disability and impairments, along with low levels of disease activity. Treatment with UCBL orthosis and Kinesio tape led to significant improvements in all AOFAS scores and foot angles. Substantial improvement in AOFAS scores was observed during the follow-up examination, except for the midfoot score.
Discussion: The use of UCBL foot orthosis in conjunction with Kinesio tape appears to be a preferable treatment strategy for children and adolescents with SFPP. This combined approach is associated with a lower rate of complications, higher patient comfort levels, and faster improvement in both radiological and clinical findings when compared to the use of the UCBL orthosis alone.
Primary Language | English |
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Subjects | Medical Education |
Journal Section | Original Articles |
Authors | |
Publication Date | March 14, 2024 |
Submission Date | November 27, 2023 |
Acceptance Date | January 24, 2024 |
Published in Issue | Year 2024 |