Is the Wedged Insole an Effective Treatment Option When Compared with a Flat (Placebo) Insole: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

From a total of 413 citations, 8 studies adhered to the a priori eligibility criteria. The WOMAC pain was shown to be statistically nonsignificant change with the use of wedge insole (SMD=0.07), and low heterogeneity (I2=22%) and a 95% CI that crossed zero (95% CI: -0.09 to 0.24). The 5 independent trials were not significant in improving pain score (SMD = -0.02, 95% CI: -0.19 to 0.16). This review also revealed no significance in improving Lequesne index (SMD = -0.27, 95% CI: -0.72 to 0.19). The meta-analysis from the 2 independent trials was significant in improving femorotibial angle (SMD = -0.41, 95% CI: -0.73 to -0.09). In conclusion, this meta-analysis suggested that lateral wedge insoles can improve femorotibial angle but are of no benefit with pain and functions in knee osteoarthritis.