A randomised control trial for evaluating over-the-counter golf orthoses in alleviating pain in amateur golfers

Background There are few studies to evaluate the effectiveness of orthoses on foot function and pain whilst playing golf. Objectives The study aimed to evaluate the capacity of three different types of orthoses to alleviate levels of pain, whilst playing golf. Method Over a period of 3 months, 32 amateur golfers took part in a Randomised Control Trial which looked at a prefabricated over-the-counter golf orthosis against a placebo and a cushioning Poron insole using two validated tools—the Foot Health Status Questionnaire and the Foot Posture Index. Results Of the 27 golfers that completed the trial, the results showed that the use of orthoses whilst playing golf reduced the levels of pain experienced, with equally positive responses in the placebo group. Of statistical significance (where p > 0.05) was the improvement in foot posture of the right foot (p = 0.053), for those using the Golf Orthaheel. A visual analogue scale showed statistically significant pain reduction (p = 0.007) when using the Poron insole. The results from this trial suggest that orthoses may have an effect in reducing pain and improving foot posture by controlling pronatory movements in golfers.