Ostrich flat feet research

When it comes to pain, what’s right for children’s feet?

People can hold strong beliefs on children’s foot health: from what is worn on the feet, to the use of orthoses. It all comes from a good place and wanting the best for children and young people. 

The most common scenario clinicians encounter is symptomatic flat feet. Despite beliefs, we are not sure what the best intervention for symptomatic flat feet is. This is challenging for clinicians when selecting best care and the offering advice to care givers.

The Ostrich trial seeks to pragmatically find this out by comparing two common treatments. The first is exercise and advice about things like which types of shoes might help. The second treatment is a type of insole, which is put inside the shoe.

Funded by the HTA Programme it will identify clinical and cost-effectiveness of treatments for children with symptomatic flat feet. It will inform how clinical pathways, commissioning and care is provided. It’s an important piece of research and you can be part of it. 

If you are a clinician and would like to involved, please contact the research team: ytu-ostrich@york.ac.uk