Improving Outcomes For Older People With Musculoskeletal Foot Disorders
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$782,370.00
Summary
Foot pain affects one in four older Australians and leads to difficulty walking, loss of independence and reduced quality of life. The research outlined in this application will address this common but largely ignored health problem by improving our knowledge of the causes of foot pain, developing novel treatments for foot disorders incorporating specialised exercises, footwear and insoles, and testing the effectiveness of these interventions in clinical trials.
As part of this fellowship, A/Prof Hylton Menz will undertake a comprehensive program of research to improve the health-related quality of life of older people with foot disorders. The research will help further our understanding of the causes and impact of foot disorders, assist in the development of new treatments, and evaluate the effectiveness of these treatments through the conduct of clinical trials.
An Innovative Treatment For First Metatarsophalangeal Joint Osteoarthritis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$289,398.00
Summary
Arthritis of the big toe joint is a common, disabling and costly problem in many Australians, but few effective treatments are available. This project will determine whether a combination of exercises and wearing a special inexpensive insert that stiffens the shoe (shoe stiffening insert) is more effective in treating this condition than exercises alone.