Foot Orthoses in Patients With Sciatica

Chronic sciatica is a frequent problem whose symptoms could be related to the abnormal stresses applied to the musculoskeletal system during the gait cycle due to foot alterations. The objectives of this study are to describe the main foot alterations in patients with chronic sciatica, and to evaluate whether foot orthoses can help alleviate this pain. Patients with chronic sciatica caused by lumbar disc herniation will be recruited and randomly allocate to one of both groups: one group that will be treated with custom-made foot orthoses, and one group that will be treated with a placebo orthotic device. Quality of life, pain in low-back, lower limb and foot, and disability caused by foot pain will be recorded at baseline, and after a two-month follow-up period.