Evaluation of podiatric disorders in a sample of children with intellectual disabilities: an analytical cross-sectional study

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Intellectual disabilities (IDs) usually derive from neurodevelopmental disabilities. They limit intellectual functioning and cause adaptive behaviors and orthopedic problems. These disabilities have harmful effects on health, everyday practical skills and social functioning, and they diminish quality of life. The goal of our research was to perform podiatric evaluations on schoolchildren with and without ID and ascertain their records of foot disorders. DESIGN AND SETTING: Analytical cross-sectional study conducted at a podiatric clinic in the city of Piedras Blancas, province of Asturias, Spain. METHODS: An analytical cross-sectional study on 82 schoolchildren affected by ID, compared with 117 healthy schoolchildren, was conducted at a podiatric clinic. Demographic data, clinical characteristics and measurements relating to podiatric examinations were recorded among the participants who completed all phases of the tool that was used in the study process. RESULTS: Almost 90% of the schoolchildren with and without ID presented foot disorders relating to smaller toes, nail disorders, flat feet or lower-limb alterations. CONCLUSIONS: The participants showed elevated prevalence of foot disorders. Podiatric evaluations are a significant means for preventing the appearance of medical conditions and/or foot problems, and they also improve general health.

Impact of quality of life related to foot problems: a case–control study

“…These data are consistent with previous studies conducted at different stages of life that reflect the negative impact of quality of life and its relationship with the feet 8 , 24 – 26 .…”

Influence of Foot Morphology on the Center of Pressure Pattern in Patients with Down Syndrome

“…As secondary goal, we intended to verify if, and to what extent, a mass excess (which is typical of individuals with DS) can further influence the COP pattern in young adults and children with DS and flat feet. We expected to observe a greater impairment in children than in young adults because of the compensatory strategies that patients acquire with age that children do not yet possess [11]. In addition, we expected that there would be variation related to the sex of the participants, as different body structures alter the biomechanics of movement and females tend to have a lower CoM than males.…”