Characteristics Associated With Hallux Valgus in a Population‐Based Foot Study of Older Adults

Abstract

Objective Hallux valgus (HV) is common in older adults, but limited studies of risk factors have reported conflicting results. This cross-sectional analysis examined the association of HV with foot pain and other characteristics in older adults. Methods HV, foot pain, foot structure (planus, rectus, cavus), current and past high heel use, age, and body mass index were assessed in the population-based Framingham Foot Study. Sex-specific logistic and multinomial logistic regression examined the association of HV and HV with pain with study variables. Results Of 1352 men and 1725 women (mean age 66 ± 10.5 years), 22% of men and 44% of women had HV and 3% of men and 11% of women had HV with pain. Foot pain increased odds of HV in both sexes (p<0.05). In women, older age and past high heel use increased odds of HV by 27% and 47%, respectively (p<0.01), and cavus foot structure decreased odds of HV by 26% (p=0.02). BMI > 30 kg/m2 decreased odds of HV by 33% in men and 45% in women (p<0.05). In women only, odds of Pain & HV vs. No Pain & No HV were greater with older age and planus foot structure. Conclusions Our work showed different associations in participants who had HV with pain compared to those without foot pain. In both men and women, strong relations were observed between HV and foot pain and inversely with BMI. Older age was associated with HV in women only, as were protective associations with cavus foot structure.

PREVALENCE OF HALLUX ABDUCTO VALGUS AMONG VARIOUS GROUPS IN ANAMBRA STATE OF NIGERIA; Predominio de hallux abducto valgus entre varios grupos en el estado de anambra de Nigeria

“…It is generally believed that HAV is more prevalent in females than in males (Dare et al, 2005, Morales-Orcajo et al, 2015, Dufour et al, 2014, Nguyen, 2010, Cho et al, 2009), but our study did not support this assertion. However, it is reported that the true sex ratio in the prevalence of HAV is actually unknown (Perera et al, 2011).…”

Prevalence and Severity of Self‐Assessed Hallux Valgus in Community‐Dwelling Older South African and Flemish Individuals

“…Sex significantly influenced HV prevalence and severity in both cohorts, with females demonstrating higher percentages of mild and moderate HV than males. This finding is consistent with previous studies reporting a higher HV deformity among women [ 9 , 13 , 14 , 35 , 36 , 38 ]. While prior research has suggested associations with the aforementioned footwear characteristics, as well as anatomical and hormonal factors [ 42 ], the current study did not assess footwear characteristics and therefore cannot determine their contribution.…”

“…HV prevalence and severity increased with age, consistent with previous studies [ 9 , 12 , 14 , 37 , 38 ]. The cohorts exhibited differences in peak age: South Africans demonstrated the highest prevalence and moderate HV severity in the 80+ age group, while the Flemish cohort peaked in the 75–79 age group with severe HV deformity.…”

“…HV prevalence and severity were higher in women and older individuals. Consistent with previous studies, BMI had an inverse effect on HV prevalence and severity [14].…”

Contributions of age, gender, body mass index, and normalized arch height to hallux valgus: a decision tree approach

“…Considering the node position, our model showed that pes planus could affect the presence of HV in women (aged 10–40 years) but not in men. These results are consistent with the findings of Dufour et al, who reported that pes planus was associated with increased odds of having HV and forefoot pain in women, but pes planus was not associated with HV in men [ 36 ]. Similarly, a previous study reported no difference in the odds of having HV based on the presence of pes planus in men, but women with pes planus showed higher odds of having HV than women without pes planus [ 13 ].…”