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Proper fitting shoes: Reducing pain, increasing activity, and improving foot health among adults experiencing
1Calvin College, Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Introduction:
Foot and lower limb pain reported by many adults experiencing homelessness may be due to improper shoes and may contribute to decreased activity and physical functioning.
Objective:
The purpose of this study was to characterize the effects of proper fitting shoes on pain, activity, and foot health in adults experiencing homelessness.
Design:
A pretest-posttest quasi-experimental pilot study design was used.
Sample:
Twenty-three out of 30 enrolled participants completed the study and were mostly female, non-Hispanic, black individuals with high school education or higher.
Measurements:
Eligible participants completed surveys related to pain, foot health, and foot conditions, and a 10-meter walking test prior to (BASELINE) and after (FINAL) the intervention.
Intervention:
Participants wore properly fitted shoes for 6 weeks and were encouraged to maintain activity levels consistent with activity levels prior to receiving new shoes.
Results:
Pain scores were lower at FINAL versus BASELINE. Participants reported reductions in knee, back and ankle/feet pain. Participants had significant improvements on almost all areas of foot health and had faster gait speed at FINAL versus BASELINE. Minimal changes in foot conditions were observed.
Conclusion:
Proper fitting shoes improve pain, walking speed, and foot health in adults experiencing homelessness with moderate to severe pain.
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