Choosing the right footwear for seniors with hallux valgus

Overview

Introduction: Inappropriate footwear is one of the etiopathogenetic factors of hallux valgus (HV). It is involved in its occurrence as well as the progression and severity of symptoms. Some studies have already focused on the suitability of footwear in primary prevention; appropriate footwear, in case of already developed symptoms, has so far been monitored poorly, despite similar importance.

Aim: The aim of the study was to determine whether seniors with the presence of HV wear shoes corresponding to the anatomical shape of the foot, and to compare the design characteristics of worn shoes between seniors with HV and seniors without this deformity.

Methods: The research group consisted of 80 seniors (men and women), in whom the presence of foot pain, the incidence of HV and the characteristics of the shoes worn were determined. The data was analyzed in IBM SPSS Statistics. Chi-square tests showed a statistically significant relationship between the presence of HV and a narrow insole (p = 0.001), a short insole (p = 0.013) and an inappropriate shoe shape (p < 0.001). Logistic regression with respect to the size of the file and the distribution of the data did not show statistically significant predictors.

Results: Seniors with HV were significantly more likely to wear shoes with structural elements that are not in accordance with the anatomical and biomechanical demands of the foot, compared to seniors without this deformity.

Discussion and conclusion: The results suggest that the choice of inappropriate footwear may significantly contribute to the onset, maintenance and symptomatology of HV in the elderly population. Nevertheless, it is individuals with this deformity who often stick to unsuitable footwear, which points to a possible lack of education, a limited supply of suitable footwear and the absence of systematic counseling in this area.

Keywords:

senior – hallux valgus – suitable footwear