Deformities of the foot due to rheumatic disease, particularly rheumatoid arthritis, occur in 85-95% of patients during the course of their disease.
This study investigates whether treatment with orthopedic shoes still has a place in modern therapies.
Foot orthotics and technical orthopedic shoes can play an important role in purely conservative treatment as well as postoperative therapy.
Due to a lack of knowledge concerning modern orthopedic shoe techniques, this treatment option has slipped out of focus--in part because of its association with the old-fashioned unshapely black orthopedic shoes. Nevertheless, these shoes can contribute significantly to maintenance of patient mobility; a factor of extreme importance to the individuals who already suffer considerably from the disease per se.