Efficacy of Splinting, Exercise and Electrotherapy on Hallux Valgus

A Comparison of the Effectiveness of Splinting, Exercise and Electrotherapy in the Management of Hallux Valgus: a Randomized Clinical Trial

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of splinting, exercise and electrotherapy on the hallux valgus (HV) angle, and foot-specific health-related quality of life. Sixty women (120 feet) with bilateral HV deformity were randomly assigned to one of three groups - an HV night splint (SP) group, an exercise (EX) group, and a high-voltage galvanic stimulation (EL) group. Angular degrees (hallux interphalangeal, HV, and intermetatarsal angles expressed as angles A, B and C, respectively) were determined before enrollment (t0) and three months after treatment (t2). Foot-specific quality of life was assessed using the Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire (MOFQ) at t0, after one month (t1), and at t2. All groups exhibited significant changes in the A, B, and C angles and outcome measures (p ≤0.001). Decreases in the A and C angles, and MOFQ-Pain subscale scores, were higher in the SP group than in the other two groups (p<0.05). C angle at t2, MOFQ-Walking score at t1 and t2 and MOFQ-Pain subscale score at t1 were lower in the SP group (p<0.05).

Inclusion Criteria:

• a diagnosis of HV confirmed by an orthopedist experienced in foot surgery
• female gender
• bilateral HV deformity
• aged 18-60 years.
• Patients were then selected based on an HV deformity degree of '2' or '3' on the Manchester scale before randomization

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients with HV deformity degrees less than '2' or more than '3' according to the Manchester scale
• Patients with systemic disease, cognitive or mental disturbance, a history of surgery to the lower extremity, or previous use of any foot splints were excluded.