There was weak evidence for  custom orthoses reducing pain and forefoot plantar pressures .
Evidence was inconclusive for foot function , walking speed , gait parameters , and reducing hallux abductovalgus angle progression .
CONCLUSION Custom orthoses may be beneficial in reducing pain and elevated forefoot plantar pressures in the rheumatoid foot and ankle .
OBJECTIVE To identify and critically appraise the evidence for the effectiveness of custom orthoses for the foot and ankle in rheumatoid arthritis .
Influence of foot orthoses on plantar pressures, foot pain and walking ability of rheumatoid arthritis patients–a randomised controlled study
Purpose . To compare the effectiveness of functional foot orthoses and unshaped ( flat ) orthotic material on plantar pressure redistribution , forefoot pain reduction and walking ability in rheumatoid arthritis ( RA ) patients . Methods . Forty patients with RA were r and omised  to receive unshaped material ( UM ) ( n = 20 ) or functional foot orthoses ( n = 20 ) . Plantar pressure measurement was performed with an F-scan system . Foot pain was assessed by the pain subscale of the Foot Function Index . Walking ability was assessed by the 6-min walking test . Investigations were performed at baseline , 1 week after the patient received shoes with orthoses and 6 months later . Results . Plantar pressures were significantly higher at painful than at non-painful foot areas . No differences in plantar pressure redistribution were found between the groups . Notable reduction of pain and improvement of activity ( walking ability ) was observed in both groups . Foot pain has moderate impact on the walking ability of RA patients . Conclusions . The study showed no clear advantage of functional foot orthoses over UM
There was weak evidence for  custom orthoses reducing pain and forefoot plantar pressures .
Evidence was inconclusive for foot function , walking speed , gait parameters , and reducing hallux abductovalgus angle progression .
CONCLUSION Custom orthoses may be beneficial in reducing pain and elevated forefoot plantar pressures in the rheumatoid foot and ankle .
OBJECTIVE To identify and critically appraise the evidence for the effectiveness of custom orthoses for the foot and ankle in rheumatoid arthritis .