The Effect of Reflexology Socks in the Management of Opioid-Induced Constipation: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Constipation is an important symptom that is common in patients using opioids and leads to major health problems among patients. Reflexology is one of the approaches utilized to manage constipation.

To examine the effect of reflexology socks on constipation in patients with opioid-induced constipation.

This study was designed as a single-blind, randomized, controlled experimental trial. The study was conducted with the participation of a total of 101 patients who were suffering from cancer and other noncancer diseases, using opioids, and complaining of constipation. The patients in the intervention group (n = 51) were advised to walk with reflexology socks for 4 weeks, whereas the patients in the control group (n = 50) were advised to walk only.

It was found that the severity of opioid-induced constipation was lower in the intervention group than in the control group at the end of the fifth week ( P  < .05). Additionally, after the application, the quality-of-life mean score was lower in the intervention group (mean, 48.46 ± 24.66) compared with control group (mean, 109.88 ± 10.62), and reflexology socks were effective in enhancing quality of life in the intervention group ( P  < .05).

This study concluded that reflexology socks were an effective approach to the management of constipation.

Reflexology socks may be more useful for patients to manage constipation because it is difficult to find a reflexologist, and reflexology sessions are charged and expensive. In this way, patients will wear reflexology socks comfortably and easily at home, and the severity of constipation will be alleviated.