Plantar pressure, gait mechanics, and comfort in laterally-wedged insoles with and without custom arch support

Orthotic insoles can be an effective way to alter gait mechanics to conservatively manage knee osteoarthritis (OA). Changes in plantar pressure distribution and comfort impact adherence to insole treatment but have not been investigated in insoles specific for knee OA. We evaluated differences in plantar pressure distribution, gait mechanics, and self-reported comfort among various combinations of lateral wedge insoles with and without custom medial arch support. Lateral wedge insoles with a variable-stiffness custom arch support reduced knee loads similarly to lateral wedge insoles alone, but mitigated ankle eversion effects that may be a cause for discomfort.