Effect of Foot Orthoses on Midfoot Pain and the Volume of Bone Marrow Lesions in the Midfoot: A Randomized Mechanism of Action Study
Authors' conclusion
The foot orthoses group showed a greater reduction in foot pain and a greater reduction in the volume of BMLs compared with the control group.
Study context
- Population
- People with midfoot pain and MRI-confirmed midfoot bone marrow lesions (BMLs)
- Participants
- 42 people
- Comparison
- Pre-formed foot orthoses vs control cushioning insoles
- Orthosesn = 27
- Controln = 15reference
Methodological detailsmechanism of action study, 2:1 randomisation
- Mechanism of action study
- 2:1 randomisation
Primary result
As reported in the abstract
Foot pain (VAS), mean change · 12 weeks
Orthoses
−7.1
mean · CI −15.0–-0.9 · mm
Control
2.8
mean · CI −9.1–14.7 · mm
Further findings
| Outcome | Orthoses | Control |
|---|---|---|
| Foot pain (VAS), mean change · 6 weeksmm | −14.8 (CI −22.3–-7.3) | −7.4 (CI −19.9–5.2) |
| BML volume, change · 12 weeks | −1544.4 (CI −3660.4–571.6) mm³ | −315.8 (CI −1528.2–896.7) mm³ |
BML volume, change · 12 weeks
- BML volume reduced more in the orthoses group
Manchester Foot Pain and Disability Index functional and pain impairment subscales · 6 and 12 weeks
- Orthoses: functional and pain impairment significantly reduced at 6 weeks and to a lesser extent at 12 weeks
- Control: only functional impairment reduced significantly at 6 weeks
Midfoot bones with BMLs · baseline
- 108 bones with BMLs in total; mean 2.5 bones per participant, SD 1.6
Original publication
Effect of Foot Orthoses on Midfoot Pain and the Volume of Bone Marrow Lesions in the Midfoot: A Randomized Mechanism of Action Study. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). Published 8 December 2025. doi:10.
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