Effects of insole with toe-separator and night splint on patients with painful hallux valgus: a comparative study

The objective of this study was to compare the effects of wearing an insole with toe separator and night splint on hallux valgus and intermetatarsal angles and also on the intensity of pain in patients suffering from painful hallux valgus deformity. Subjects in this study consisted of 30 female patients aged 19 - 45 years (mean 27.83 +/- 8.91) who were divided into two groups. The first group received the insole and toe separator and the second group received night splint. Hallux valgus angle and intermetatarsal angle were radiographically measured before and after a 3-month study period. Foot pain intensity was assessed by 10 cm Visual Analogue Scale before and after intervention. After statistical analysis the reduction of pain was significant in the first group (p < 0.05) whereas in the second group no significant difference was obtained. The hallux valgus angle and intermetatarsal angle decreased in both groups; however, the reduction was not significant. According to the results of this study, using night splint seems to have no effect on painful hallux valgus deformity. On the other hand, although the insole with toe separator significantly decreased the pain intensity in these patients and was a good option for pain reduction, it was not effective in improvement of the great toe angles.