Purpose: to provide an objective and comprehensive overview about effectiveness of each type of orthotics used in the management of calcaneal plantar fasciitis.
Methods: This systematic review aimed to evaluate the efficacy of various orthotic interventions in the treatment of plantar fasciitis. The review protocol was registered in PROSPERO, and a specific search strategy was developed for different databases, including Cochrane Library, PEDro, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CINAHL. Eligibility criteria were defined, and two reviewers independently screened titles and abstracts, followed by full-text screening of potentially relevant studies. A data extraction form was used to collect key study characteristics, and the quality of evidence was evaluated using Cochrane Collaboration's tool. The primary outcome measure was pain and disability is considered the secondary outcome.
Results:  A total of 2699 studies were found, of which 10 studies were included in the systematic review. The included studies were of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The review found that various orthotic interventions could improve pain, and disability in patients with plantar fasciitis. The combined effect size was statistically significant in all models, indicating a significant effect of orthotics on pain and disability. However, significant heterogeneity was observed among the studies. Subgroup analysis showed significant heterogeneity. No significant publication bias was detected in any of the analyses.
Conclusion: The systematic review concludes that orthotics may be a promising non-invasive treatment for people with plantar fasciitis, as the meta-analysis showed a significant effect on pain and disability. However, the high heterogeneity among the studies suggests that further research is needed. While there was no significant publication bias, more high-quality research is needed to confirm the findings and establish the optimal use of orthotics for planter fasciitis. Clinicians should consider using orthotics with other conservative treatments for people with Planter fasciitis.