The pedobarographic assessment and investigation of quality of life in individuals with and without hallux valgus

Introduction and Purpose: Hallux valgus (HV) is a 3-dimensional complex deformity that often causes pain, dysfunction, and joint mechanism changes in the front foot with lateral deviation and pronation of the big toe at the metatarsophalangeal joint (MTF) level and medial deviation of the first proximal metatarsal. Hallux valgus is common in the adult population varies. Its prevalence continues between the ages of 18-64, while it is 23%, while it is 35.7% who play over the age of 65. In the literature review, this ratio was found to be the lowest at 2:1, while the highest ratio was found to be 15:1. In a study, the bilateral incidence of hallux valgus in people with hallux valgus deformity was found to be 87%. The factors that cause Hallux valgus are divided into two intrinsic and extrinsic factors. The intrinsic factors are heredity, ligamentous laxity, metatarsus primus varus, pes planus, functional hallux limitus, age, body mass index, gender, metatarsal morphology, and achilles tendon shortness. Extrinsic factors are the use of high heels, the use of tight shoes, occupation, standing for a long time and carrying excessive loads. Plantar pressure measurements are an indicator of foot and ankle function during walking, standing and other functional activities because the foot and ankle provide both the necessary support and flexibility for weight carrying and weight shifting while performing these activities. Our aim in this study is to investigate plantar pressure changes and quality of life in individuals with and without hallux valgus. Method: The volunteer foot with 60 hallux valgus (Hallux valgus angle >15°) and the foot without 60 hallux valgus were included in the study. The data of the participants were collected face-to-face. Sociodemographic form, Manchester – Oxford Foot Questionnaire, Multidimensional Nil Hallux Valgus Questionnaire, Manchester Scale, Hallux Valgus Angle, Numerical Pain Scale, SF-36 Short Form and plantar pressure analysis were performed with pedobarography device. The statistical program IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences Version 20.0 (SPSS inc, Chicago, IL, USA) was used. Continuous variables are given as mean ± standard deviation, qualitative variables are given as number and percentage (%). In the study, it was calculated by Student–t test analysis and statistical significance was taken as p ≤ 0.05 in all measurements in two directions. Results: The percentage of women in the group with hallux valgus was 61.7% (n=37), while the percentage of men was 38.3% (n=23). In the group without hallux valgus, the percentage of women was 36.7% (n=22), and the percentage of men was 63.3% (n=38). There were significant differences in age and BMI between the groups. The hallux valgus angle in individuals with hallux valgus was found to be 20°±3.4°. It was found that individuals with hallux valgus had a significant decrease in all subparameters of quality of life compared to those without hallux valgus (p<0.05). Individuals with hallux valgus had a decrease in hallux and MT 1 plantar pressure compared to those without hallux valgus, and a significant increase in MT 2/3, digit 2/3, and digit 4/5 (p<0.05). The walking parameter of the Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire was found to be the most affected. Conclusion: It has been found that there is an effect on the quality of life of individuals with Hallux valgus. In addition, a decrease in plantar pressure of people with hallux valgus was found in hallux and MT 1, and an increase in plantar pressure in MT 2/3, digit 2/3 and digit 4/5. Keywords: Hallux Valgus, Plantar Pressure, Quality of Life