The effect of insoles on foot pain and daily activities

Foot pain decreases individuals' ability to perform daily activities. Insoles are often prescribed to reduce the pain which, in turn, may promote return to normal activities.

To evaluate the effects of insoles on foot pain and daily activities, and to investigate the relationship between individuals' satisfaction with insoles and actual use of them.

A 4-week pre-post intervention follow-up.

Brief Pain Inventory, International Physical Activity Questionnaire and Lower Extremities Functional Status were used as outcome measures. Client Satisfaction with Device was used in the follow-up.

A total of 67 participants answered the questionnaires (81% women). Overall, a reduction in Pain Severity (p = 0.002) and Pain Interference (p = 0.008) was shown. Secondary analyses revealed a significant effect only in women. No changes in daily activities (Walking, p = 0.867; Total Physical Activity, p = 0.842; Lower Extremities Functional Status, p = 0.939) could be seen. There was no relation between Client Satisfaction with Device measures and duration of insole use. A difference in sex was shown; women scored higher than men on Pain Severity.

Insoles reduce pain and pain interference with daily activities for women with foot pain. Satisfaction with the insoles is not a predictor of actual insole use. The effect of insoles on activity performance needs further study.

This study provides evidence for prescribing insoles to people with foot pain. Nonetheless, insoles are not enough to increase their physical activity level in the short term. Satisfaction with insoles and duration of use are not correlated and cannot be inferred from each other.