Authors' recommendations: The RCTs summarized in this review did not detect statistically significant differences between custom and prefabricated orthotics used in the prevention of injuries (1 RCT), or management of pain or disability related to juvenile idiopathic arthritis (1 RCT), rheumatoid arthritis (1 RCT), or plantar fasciitis (4 RCTs). There is evidence to suggest that custom or prefabricated orthotics are not necessary in children with excessive foot pronation. Most of the studies had methodological limitations that could potentially bias the findings.No evidence was found on the cost-effectiveness and therefore conclusions about the cost-effectiveness of custom made and prefabricated foot orthotics cannot be made.Overall, the evidence appears to suggest that custom foot orthotics and prefabricated orthotics have similar effectiveness. The limited quality of the evidence identified, as well as the lack of economic studies, may be a consideration for decision-making about custom made foot orthotics or prefabricated (off-the-shelf) foot orthotics.

Project Status: Completed

URL for project: http://www.cadth.ca/media/pdf/l0181_foot_orthotics_htis-2.pdf

Year Published: 2010

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: Canada

Organisation Name: Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health

Contact Address: 600-865 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, ON K1S 5S8 Canada. Tel: +1 613 226 2553; Fax: +1 613 226 5392;

Contact Name: requests@cadth.ca

Contact Email: requests@cadth.ca

Copyright: Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH)