Does hallux valgus impair physical function?

Abstract

BackgroundThe relationships between radiographic hallux valgus (HV) and various physical functions independent of knee osteoarthritis (KOA) were examined among residents of a mountain village in Japan.MethodsStudy participants were recruited from mountain village residents aged ≥50 years. Participants’ height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) were measured, and baseline data, including age, sex, and foot pain, were obtained using interviews and questionnaires. Radiography of the feet and knees was performed to assess the presence of HV (HV angle ≥20°) and KOA (Kellgren-Lawrence grade ≥ II). Grip strength, 6-m walk at usual and maximum speeds, single-leg stance time, and stand up from a chair time were evaluated as physical function performance tests. Plantar pressure patterns were also examined.ResultsModerate-severe HV (HV angle ≥30 degrees), impaired grip strength and maximum walking speed, and painful HV reduced usual and maximum walking speeds independent of KOA. Hallux plantar pressure decreased according to the HV angle. Hallux plantar pressure was significantly lower in painful HV than in the no HV feet or painless HV.ConclusionsModerate-severe HV deformity and HV-related pain impaired physical function independent of KOA. By controlling the pain and severe deformity of HV by treatments such as surgery, the physical function of HV patients might be improved.

Toe flexor strength and foot morphology in older people requiring long-term care due to changes in their means of mobilizing in daily life: a cross-sectional study

“…In this study, no signi cant between-group difference was found in the foot morphology, including for hallux valgus; even in the multiple logistic regression analysis, foot morphology was not among the signi cant factors. The prevalence of hallux valgus detected on radiographs in older Japanese men and women living in the community was 28.4% (3) and that in day care service users was > 50% (4). In this study, hallux valgus was found in about half of the older participants who needed some assistance with activities of daily living and are undergoing or had received ambulatory rehabilitation in a long-term care health facility.…”

“…In a meta-analysis, the prevalence of hallux valgus in people aged ≥ 65 years was 35.7% (2). Hallux valgus was found in 28.4% of older Japanese people living in the community (3). Furthermore, more than 50% of 18 older adults who use day care services for assistance in daily life have hallux valgus (4).…”

Relationship Between Demographic and Radiographic Characteristics and Second Ray Pathology in Hallux Valgus Patients

“…HVA has been found to be inversely related to hallux loading and hallux plantarflexion strength. 26 This reduction in loading and flexion strength in hallux valgus results in increased pressure on the lesser MT, 20 which in turn can contribute to a hammertoe deformity. Because IMA has been found to increase in conjunction with HVA, 13 it is reasonable that the same association between hammertoe risk and HVA and IMA was found.…”

Foot Characteristics and Falls among Community-dwelling Independent Elderly Women Who Can Walk Outdoors

“…1,3) Because of hallux valgus and deformity of the lesser toes, toe flexor strength is often significantly reduced in older people. 6) Planar pres-sure during walking was found to be significantly lower in those with hallux valgus than in those without. 7) A reduction in the foot's contact area with the ground resulting from hallux deformity is considered to be the cause of reduced planar pressure.…”