Insole Optimization for Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients
This research is for people with rheumatoid arthritis, a condition that can cause foot pain and changes to the foot shape. Many people use special shoe inserts, called insoles, to help. This study aims to make these insoles even better. Researchers will use special 3D imaging to create a detailed picture of the foot and how pressure is distributed when walking. By understanding this, they hope to design more effective insoles to reduce pain. They will compare how people walk with and without standard insoles, looking for ways to improve the design. The ultimate goal is to create new, improved insoles and then check how well they work by looking at walking again.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Rheumatoid arthritis is a condition where your body's immune system mistakenly attacks your joints, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness. For many people with rheumatoid arthritis, their feet can be particularly affected. This can lead to changes in foot shape and ongoing pain, making it difficult to walk and go about daily life. While treatments aim to control the overall condition, special shoes and custom-made shoe inserts, known as insoles, are often used to help manage foot pain and discomfort.
This study specifically focuses on improving these insoles. At the moment, insoles are made based on general principles, but researchers believe they can do better. They plan to use advanced 3D imaging technology to create a very detailed 'map' of the pressure points on your feet when you walk. Think of it like taking a highly detailed photograph of how your feet interact with the ground. By understanding exactly where the pressure is, they hope to design insoles that fit your feet perfectly and spread the pressure more evenly, which could significantly reduce pain.
To achieve this, the study will involve looking at how people walk both with and without their current standard insoles. This helps researchers understand what happens when conditions aren't ideal and how current insoles help. Once they have a better understanding, they will use this information to create new, improved insoles. They will then test these new insoles to see if they make walking more comfortable and reduce pain, using the same walking analysis techniques. The overall aim is to make daily life easier and less painful for people with rheumatoid arthritis.
Key takeaways
- This study aims to improve shoe insoles for foot pain in rheumatoid arthritis.
- It uses 3D imaging to create better, custom-fit insoles.
- Participation involves walking assessments before and after getting new insoles.
- It could lead to more effective ways to manage foot pain.
- The study is for adults with controlled rheumatoid arthritis and specific foot pain.
- You can stop participating at any time.
Who may be eligible?
To be able to join this study, you need to be an adult (18 years or older) who has been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. Your rheumatoid arthritis should also be at a stage where it's fairly well controlled, not highly active. Another important factor is that you experience foot pain in the front part of your foot when you walk, and this pain should improve when you wear special shoe inserts (orthoses).
There are also some reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. For example, if you can't have a bone scan (a type of medical imaging) for any reason, or if you have any nerve problems that affect how you walk. Also, pregnant or breastfeeding women, people who are not free to make their own choices about taking part in research, or people under 18 years old cannot join.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you 18 years old or older?
- Have you been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis?
- Is your rheumatoid arthritis currently well-managed (not highly active)?
- Do you get pain in the front of your foot when you walk?
- Does your foot pain get better when you wear shoe inserts?
- Are you able to have a bone scan if needed for medical reasons?
What does participation involve?
The study involves a few visits to assess your walking and foot pressures. You would have your walking patterns analysed using special 3D imaging equipment, both when you are not wearing your usual insoles and when you are wearing them. This helps the researchers understand how your feet move and where pressure is applied. Following this, new, specially designed insoles will be created for you based on the imaging results. You would then wear these new insoles, and after a period, your walking would be analysed again with the new insoles to see how they have improved. The exact number and duration of visits will be explained in detail by the research team.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Chu de Saint-EtienneVerified postcodeSaint-Etienne, France· Recruiting
Common questions
What is rheumatoid arthritis?
It's a long-term condition where your body's immune system attacks your joints, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness, often in the hands and feet.
What are insoles?
Insoles are special inserts that go inside your shoes to support your feet, help with comfort, and correct walking issues.
Will I get free insoles if I join the study?
The study aims to design and test new insoles. If you participate, you will receive these specially designed insoles as part of the research.
Is the 3D imaging safe?
Yes, the 3D imaging used to look at your feet and how you walk is safe and doesn't involve any radiation or invasive procedures.
How long will the study last for me?
The team running the study will provide you with a specific timeline for your participation, including the number of visits and follow-ups.
How to find out more
Hubert MAROTTE, MD PhD
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
Community discussion
Powered by our forum at community.patient.info. Please be respectful — this is not medical advice.