Effectiveness of footwear and foot orthoses in reducing medial metatarsophalangeal joint pressure in women with hallux valgus.

BACKGROUND: Hallux valgus is a common condition where the subluxation of the first metatarsophalangeal joint and lateral deviation of the hallux at the interphalangeal joint creates difficulty with footwear fit. Footwear and foot orthoses are commonly prescribed nonsurgical treatments for hallux valgus. RESEARCH QUESTION: Do extra-width footwear and foot orthoses influence peak pressure at the medial aspect of the metatarsophalangeal and interphalangeal joints in women with hallux valgus? METHODS: Community-dwelling women with symptomatic hallux valgus underwent gait testing when wearing their own shoes and when wearing extra-width footwear fitted with three-quarter length, arch-contouring prefabricated foot orthoses. Peak pressure (kPa) on the medial aspect of the metatarsophalangeal and medial interphalangeal joints and on the plantar surface of the foot (hallux, lesser toes, metatarsophalangeal joint 1, metatarsophalangeal joints 2-5, midfoot and heel) were measured using the novel pedar®-X system with the pedar® pad and pedar® insole, respectively (Novel, GmbH, Munich, Germany). Paired samples t-tests were used to calculate the differences between the two conditions, and the magnitude of observed differences was calculated using Cohen's d. RESULTS: We tested 28 participants (aged 44-80 years, mean 60.7, standard deviation 10.7). Compared to their own footwear, wearing the intervention footwear and orthoses was associated with a statistically significant decrease in pressure on the medial aspect of the metatarsophalangeal joint (58.3 ± 32.8 versus 42.6 ± 32.8, p=0.026, d=0.49), increased pressure under the midfoot (70.7 ± 25.7 versus 78.7 ± 23.6, p=0.029, d=0.33) and decreased pressure underneath the heel (137.3 ± 39.0 versus 121.3 ± 34.8, p=0.019, d=0.45). SIGNIFICANCE: The intervention footwear and orthoses significantly decreased peak pressure on the medial aspect of the first metatarsophalangeal joint but had no significant effect on the interphalangeal joint. Further studies are required to determine whether these changes are associated with improvements in symptoms associated with hallux valgus.

Structural Foot Characteristics in People With Midfoot Osteoarthritis: Cross-Sectional Findings From the Clinical Assessment Study of the Foot.

OBJECTIVE: This study compared radiographic measures of foot structure between people with and without symptomatic radiographic midfoot osteoarthritis (OA). METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of adults aged 50 years and older registered with four UK general practices who reported foot pain in the past year. Bilateral weightbearing dorsoplantar and lateral radiographs were obtained. Symptomatic radiographic midfoot OA was defined as midfoot pain in the last 4 weeks, combined with radiographic OA in one or more midfoot joints (first cuneometatarsal, second cuneometatarsal, navicular-first cuneiform, and talonavicular). Midfoot OA cases were matched 1:1 for sex and age to controls with a 5-year age tolerance. Eleven radiographic measures were extracted and compared between the groups using independent sample t-tests and effect sizes (Cohen's d). RESULTS: We identified 63 midfoot OA cases (mean ± SD age was 66.8 ± 8.0 years, with 32 male and 31 female participants) and matched these to 63 controls (mean ± SD age was 65.9 ± 7.8 years). There were no differences in metatarsal lengths between the groups. However, those with midfoot OA had a higher calcaneal-first metatarsal angle (d = 0.43, small effect size, P = 0.018) and lower calcaneal inclination angle (d = 0.46, small effect size, P = 0.011) compared with controls. CONCLUSIONS: People with midfoot OA have a flatter foot posture compared with controls. Although caution is required when inferring causation from cross-sectional data, these findings are consistent with a pathomechanical pathway linking foot structure to the development of midfoot OA. Prospective studies are required to determine the temporal relationships between foot structure, function, and the development of this common and disabling condition.

Association of Bone Shape and Alignment Analyzed Using Statistical Shape Modeling With Severity of First Metatarsophalangeal Joint Osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to explore the relationship between bone shape and radiographic severity in individuals with first metatarsophalangeal joint osteoarthritis (first MTP joint OA). METHODS: Weightbearing lateral and dorsoplantar radiographs were obtained for the symptomatic foot of 185 participants (105 females, aged 22 to 85 years) with clinically diagnosed first MTP joint OA. Participants were classified into none/mild, moderate, or severe categories using a standardized atlas. An 80-point model for lateral radiographs and 77-point model for dorsoplantar radiographs was used to define independent modes of variation using statistical shape modeling software. Odds ratios adjusted for confounders were calculated using ordinal regression to determine the association between radiographic severity and mode scores. RESULTS: After assessment and grading of radiographs, 35 participants (18.9%) were included in the none/mild first MTP joint OA severity category, 69 (37.2%) in the moderate severity category, and 81 (43.7%) in the severe category. For lateral-view radiographs, 16 modes of variation were included, which collectively represented 83.2% of total shape variance. Of these, four modes were associated with radiographic severity. For dorsoplantar-view radiographs, 15 modes of variation were included, representing 82.6% of total shape variance. Of these, six modes were associated with radiographic severity. CONCLUSIONS: Variations in the shape and alignment of the medial cuneiform, first metatarsal, and proximal and distal phalanx of the hallux are significantly associated with radiographic severity of first MTP joint OA. Prospective studies are required to determine whether bone shape characteristics are associated with the development and/or progression of this condition.

Plantar pressures in people with midfoot osteoarthritis: cross-sectional findings from the Clinical Assessment Study of the Foot.

BACKGROUND: Midfoot osteoarthritis (OA) is a common condition, however its aetiology is not well understood. Understanding how plantar pressures differ between people with and without midfoot OA may provide insight into the aetiology and how best to manage this condition. RESEARCH QUESTION: To compare plantar pressures between people with and without symptomatic radiographic midfoot OA. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of adults aged ≥ 50 years registered with four UK general practices who reported foot pain in the past year. Symptomatic radiographic midfoot OA was defined as midfoot pain in the last four weeks, combined with radiographic OA in one or more midfoot joints. Cases were matched 1:1 for sex and age ( ± 5 years) to controls. Peak plantar pressure and maximum force in 10 regions of the foot were determined using a pressure platform (RSscan International, Olen, Belgium) and compared between the groups using independent samples t-tests and effect sizes (Cohen's d). RESULTS: We included 61 midfoot OA cases (mean age 67.0, SD 8.1, 31 males, 30 females) and matched these to 61 controls (mean age 66.0, SD 7.9). Midfoot OA cases displayed greater force (d=0.79, medium effect size, p = <0.001) and pressure at the midfoot (d=0.70, medium effect size, p = <0.001), greater force at the fourth metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint (d=0.28, small effect size, p = 0.13), and fifth MTP joint (d=0.37, small effect size, p = 0.10) and greater pressure at the fifth MTP joint (d=0.34, small effect size, p = 0.13). They also displayed lower force (d=0.40, small effect size, p = 0.02) and pressure at the hallux (d=0.50, medium effect size, p = <0.001) and lower force (d=0.54, medium effect size, p = <0.001) and pressure at the lesser toes (d=0.48, small effect size, p = <0.001) compared with controls. SIGNIFICANCE: Midfoot OA appears to be associated with lowering of the medial longitudinal arch, greater lateral push off and less propulsion at toe off. Longitudinal studies are needed to establish causal relationships.

Nonsurgical management of hallux valgus: findings of a randomised pilot and feasibility trial.

BACKGROUND: Hallux valgus is a common and disabling condition. This randomised pilot and feasibility trial aimed to determine the feasibility of conducting a parallel group randomised trial to evaluate the effectiveness of a nonsurgical intervention for reducing pain associated with hallux valgus. METHODS: Twenty-eight community-dwelling women with painful hallux valgus were randomised to receive either a multifaceted, nonsurgical intervention (footwear, foot orthoses, foot exercises, advice, and self-management) or usual care (advice and self-management alone). Outcome measures were obtained at baseline, 4, 8 and 12 weeks. The primary outcome was feasibility, evaluated according to demand (recruitment rate and conversion rate), acceptability, adherence, adverse events, and retention rate. Limited efficacy testing was conducted on secondary outcome measures including foot pain, foot muscle strength, general health-related quality of life, use of cointerventions, and participants' perception of overall treatment effect. RESULTS: Between July 8, 2021, and April 22, 2022, we recruited and tested 28 participants (aged 44 to 80 years, mean 60.7, standard deviation 10.7). This period encompassed two COVID-related stay-at-home orders (July 16 to July 27, and August 5 to October 21, 2021). The predetermined feasibility thresholds were met for retention rate, foot pain, mental health-related quality of life, and use of cointerventions, partly met for acceptability, adverse events, and muscle strength, and not met for demand (recruitment rate or conversion rate), adherence, physical health-related quality of life and perception of overall treatment effect. CONCLUSION: In its current form, a randomised trial of footwear, foot orthoses, foot exercises, advice and self-management for relieving pain associated with hallux valgus is not feasible, particularly due to the low adherence with the intervention. However, it is difficult to determine whether the trial would be feasible under different circumstances, particularly due to COVID-19 stay-at-home orders. Future trials will need to consider improving the aesthetics of the footwear and making the exercise program less burdensome. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry (ACTRN12621000645853).

Methodological and statistical approaches for the assessment of foot shape using three-dimensional foot scanning: a scoping review.

OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this study were to: (i) review and provide a narrative synthesis of three-dimensional (3D) foot surface scanning methodological and statistical analysis protocols, and (ii) develop a set of recommendations for standardising the reporting of 3D foot scanning approaches. METHODS: A systematic search of the SCOPUS, ProQuest, and Web of Science databases were conducted to identify papers reporting 3D foot scanning protocols and analysis techniques. To be included, studies were required to be published in English, have more than ten participants, and involve the use of static 3D surface scans of the foot. Papers were excluded if they reported two-dimensional footprints only, 3D scans that did not include the medial arch, dynamic scans, or derived foot data from a full body scan. RESULTS: The search yielded 78 relevant studies from 17 different countries. The available evidence showed a large variation in scanning protocols. The subcategories displaying the most variation included scanner specifications (model, type, accuracy, resolution, capture duration), scanning conditions (markers, weightbearing, number of scans), foot measurements and definitions used, and statistical analysis approaches. A 16-item checklist was developed to improve the consistency of reporting of future 3D scanning studies. CONCLUSION: 3D foot scanning methodological and statistical analysis protocol consistency and reporting has been lacking in the literature to date. Improved reporting of the included subcategories could assist in data pooling and facilitate collaboration between researchers. As a result, larger sample sizes and diversification of population groups could be obtained to vastly improve the quantification of foot shape and inform the development of orthotic and footwear interventions and products.

Neuropathic Pain Associated With First Metatarsophalangeal Joint Osteoarthritis: Frequency and Associated Factors.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether neuropathic pain is a feature of first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint osteoarthritis (OA). METHODS: A total of 98 participants (mean ± SD age 57.4 ± 10.3 years) with symptomatic radiographic first MTP joint OA completed the PainDETECT questionnaire (PD-Q), which has 9 questions regarding the intensity and quality of pain. The likelihood of neuropathic pain was determined using established PD-Q cutoff points. Participants with unlikely neuropathic pain were then compared to those with possible/likely neuropathic pain in relation to age, sex, general health (Short Form 12 [SF-12] health survey), psychological well-being (Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale), pain characteristics (self-efficacy, duration, and severity), foot health (Foot Health Status Questionnaire [FHSQ]), first MTP dorsiflexion range of motion, and radiographic severity. Effect sizes (Cohen's d coefficient) were also calculated. RESULTS: A total of 30 (31%) participants had possible/likely neuropathic pain (19 possible [19.4%], 11 likely [11.2%]). The most common neuropathic symptoms were sensitivity to pressure (56%), sudden pain attacks/electric shocks (36%) and burning (24%). Compared to those with unlikely neuropathic pain, those with possible/likely neuropathic pain were significantly older (d = 0.59, P = 0.010), had worse SF-12 physical scores (d = 1.10, P < 0.001), pain self-efficacy scores (d = 0.98, P < 0.001), FHSQ pain scores (d = 0.98, P < 0.001), and FHSQ function scores (d = 0.82, P < 0.001), and had higher pain severity at rest (d = 1.01, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: A significant proportion of individuals with first MTP joint OA report symptoms suggestive of neuropathic pain, which may partly explain the suboptimal responses to commonly used treatments for this condition. Screening for neuropathic pain may be useful in the selection of targeted interventions and may improve clinical outcomes.

Footwear, foot orthoses and strengthening exercises for the non-surgical management of hallux valgus: protocol for a randomised pilot and feasibility trial.

BACKGROUND: Hallux valgus is a common and disabling condition. This randomised pilot and feasibility trial aims to determine the feasibility of conducting a fully-powered parallel group randomised trial to evaluate the effectiveness of a multifaceted non-surgical intervention for reducing pain associated with hallux valgus. METHODS: Twenty-eight community-dwelling women with painful hallux valgus will be randomised to receive either a multifaceted, non-surgical intervention (footwear, foot orthoses, foot exercises, advice, and self-management) or advice and self-management alone. Outcome measures will be obtained at baseline, 4, 8 and 12 weeks. The primary outcome is feasibility, which will be evaluated according to demand, acceptability, adherence, adverse events, and retention rate. Limited efficacy testing will be conducted on secondary outcome measures including foot pain (the Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire), foot muscle strength (hand-held dynamometry), general health-related quality of life (the Short Form-12), use of cointerventions, and participants' perception of overall treatment effect. Biomechanical testing will be conducted at baseline to evaluate the immediate effects of the footwear/orthotic intervention on pressure beneath the foot and on the medial aspect of the first metatarsophalangeal joint and hallux. DISCUSSION: This study will determine the feasibility of conducting a fully-powered randomised trial of footwear, foot orthoses, foot exercises, advice and self-management for relieving pain associated with hallux valgus and provide insights into potential mechanisms of effectiveness. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry ( ACTRN12621000645853 ).

Differences in foot dimensions between children and adolescents with and without Down syndrome.

PURPOSE: This study compared the differences in foot dimensions between children with and without Down syndrome using three-dimensional (3D) foot scans. METHODS: 51 children with and 51 children without Down syndrome had a 3D scan taken of their right foot to compare the absolute and normalised (for height or foot length) measurements. RESULTS: Normalised foot length was shorter in children with Down syndrome (MD -11.62 mm, 95% CI -15.06 to -8.18, p < 0.001). When normalised for foot length, ball of foot length (MD 2.87 mm, 95% CI 1.17 to 4.58, p = 0.001), diagonal and horizontal foot width (MD 3.65 mm, 95% CI 1.65 to 5.66, p < 0.001; MD 4.80 mm, 95% CI 2.88 to 6.72, p < 0.001, respectively), ball and instep girth (MD 10.60 mm, 95% CI 5.96 to 15.25, p < 0.001; MD 7.92 mm, 95% CI 3.02 to 12.82, p = 0.002, respectively) and fifth toe height (MD 3.14 mm, 95% CI 2.22 to 4.07, p < 0.001) were greater in children with Down syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: Children with Down syndrome have shorter, wider feet with greater girth and fifthtoe height measurements relative to children without Down syndrome. These findings have implications for footwear fit and the manufacturing of population-specific footwear.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONFootwear-fitting issues arise as a result of the unique foot shape of children with Down syndrome.There are substantial variations in the foot shape of children with and without Down syndrome.Children with Down syndrome require wider, deeper footwear at a given length to accommodate their foot dimensions.These findings have implications for the manufacturing of population-specific footwear.

Effects of Shoe-Stiffening Inserts on Lower Extremity Kinematics in Individuals With First Metatarsophalangeal Joint Osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects of shoe-stiffening inserts on lower extremity kinematics in individuals with first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint osteoarthritis (OA). METHODS: Forty-eight individuals with radiographically confirmed first MTP joint OA (24 male and 24 female; mean ± SD age 57.8 ± 10.5 years) were randomized to receive either shoe-stiffening inserts or sham inserts and underwent gait analysis during level walking using a 10-camera infrared Vicon motion analysis system. Sagittal plane kinematics of the first MTP, ankle, knee, and hip joints were compared between the shoe only (control) and insert conditions in both groups (within-groups) and between both insert conditions (between-groups). RESULTS: Compared to the shoe only condition, the sham insert reduced knee flexion and total excursion, and the shoe-stiffening insert reduced first MTP joint maximum dorsiflexion and ankle joint maximum plantarflexion, and increased maximum knee flexion and total excursion. Between-group comparisons indicated that the shoe-stiffening inserts significantly decreased first MTP joint maximum dorsiflexion, ankle joint maximum plantarflexion, and total excursion and increased knee joint maximum flexion and total excursion compared to the sham inserts. CONCLUSION: Carbon fiber shoe-stiffening inserts significantly alter sagittal plane lower extremity joint kinematics during walking, particularly first MTP joint maximum dorsiflexion. These findings provide insights into the mechanisms that may be responsible for their clinical effectiveness in the treatment of first MTP joint OA and potentially explain changes in symptoms in other lower extremity joints.

Structural Characteristics Associated With Radiographic Severity of First Metatarsophalangeal Joint Osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether foot structure varies according to the presence and radiographic severity of first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint osteoarthritis (OA). METHODS: Weight-bearing dorsiplantar and lateral radiographs were obtained for the symptomatic foot of 185 participants (105 women, ages 22-85 years) with clinically diagnosed first MTP joint OA. A validated atlas was used to classify participants as having radiographic first MTP joint OA and to stratify into 3 categories of severity (none/mild, moderate, severe). Bone length and width and angular measures of the forefoot and medial arch were performed on radiographs, and differences between categories were compared using univariate general linear models, adjusting for confounders. RESULTS: A total of 150 participants were categorized as having radiographic first MTP joint OA, and participants were further stratified into none/mild (n = 35), moderate (n = 69), or severe (n = 81) OA categories. Participants with radiographically defined first MTP joint OA displayed a greater hallux abductus interphalangeal angle. Greater radiographic severity of first MTP joint OA was associated with a larger hallux abductus interphalangeal angle, a wider first metatarsal and proximal phalanx, and a smaller intermetatarsal angle. No differences in medial arch measurements were observed between the categories. CONCLUSION: First ray alignment and morphology differed according to the presence and severity of first MTP joint OA. Prospective studies are required to determine whether the observed differences are a cause or consequence of OA.

Efficacy of custom-fitted footwear to increase physical activity in children and adolescents with Down syndrome (ShoeFIT): randomised pilot study.

PURPOSE: To determine the feasibility of conducting a definitive randomised trial to evaluate the efficacy of custom-fitted footwear for increasing physical activity in children and adolescents with Down syndrome. METHODS: Assessor-blinded, parallel-group randomised pilot study. Thirty-three children and adolescents with Down syndrome were randomly allocated to a custom-fitted footwear group (Clarks® footwear) or a wait-list control group. Six feasibility domains were evaluated at baseline, 6 and 12 weeks; demand (recruitment), implementation (co-interventions and adherence), acceptability, practicality (adverse events), limited efficacy testing (physical activity, disability associated with foot and ankle problems, and gait parameters), and adaptation (shoe-fit). RESULTS: Three participants were recruited per month. The use of co-interventions was common with six control group participants purchasing new footwear during the study. Mean adherence was 35 h/week in the custom-fitted footwear group, and there were few minor adverse events. There were trends for differences in physical activity favouring the custom-fitted footwear, but no trends for differences in disability associated with foot and ankle problems or gait parameters. The fit of the custom-fitted footwear was no better than participants' regular footwear. CONCLUSIONS: A definitive randomised trial is feasible. However, recruitment, use of co-interventions and footwear fit need further consideration.Implications for rehabilitationConducting a definitive randomised trial to determine the efficacy of custom-fitted footwear in increasing physical activity in children and adolescents with Down syndrome is feasible.Custom-fitted footwear may improve physical activity in children and adolescents with Down syndrome.Commercially available footwear may not be suitable for children and adolescents with Down syndrome due to their unique foot shape.

Correction to: Reproducibility of foot dimensions measured from 3-dimensional foot scans in children and adolescents with Down syndrome.

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.

First metatarsophalangeal joint range of motion is associated with lower limb kinematics in individuals with first metatarsophalangeal joint osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND: Osteoarthritis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint (1st MTP joint OA) is a common and disabling condition that results in pain and limited joint range of motion. There is inconsistent evidence regarding the relationship between clinical measurement of 1st MTP joint maximum dorsiflexion and dynamic function of the joint during level walking. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the association between passive non-weightbearing (NWB) 1st MTP joint maximum dorsiflexion and sagittal plane kinematics in individuals with radiographically confirmed 1st MTP joint OA. METHODS: Forty-eight individuals with radiographically confirmed 1st MTP joint OA (24 males and 24 females; mean age 57.8 years, standard deviation 10.5) underwent clinical measurement of passive NWB 1st MTP joint maximum dorsiflexion and gait analysis during level walking using a 10-camera infrared Vicon motion analysis system. Sagittal plane kinematics of the 1st MTP, ankle, knee, and hip joints were calculated. Associations between passive NWB 1st MTP joint maximum dorsiflexion and kinematic variables were explored using Pearson's r correlation coefficients. RESULTS: Passive NWB 1st MTP joint maximum dorsiflexion was significantly associated with maximum 1st MTPJ dorsiflexion (r = 0.486, p < 0.001), ankle joint maximum plantarflexion (r = 0.383, p = 0.007), and ankle joint excursion (r = 0.399, p = 0.005) during gait. There were no significant associations between passive NWB 1st MTP joint maximum dorsiflexion and sagittal plane kinematics of the knee or hip joints. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that clinical measurement of 1st MTP joint maximum dorsiflexion provides useful insights into the dynamic function of the foot and ankle during the propulsive phase of gait in this population.

Reproducibility of foot dimensions measured from 3-dimensional foot scans in children and adolescents with Down syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Children and adolescents with Down syndrome have a distinctive foot shape (such as wide and flat feet) that often leads to difficulty with footwear fitting. 3-dimensional (3D) scanning can accurately measure the foot dimensions of individuals with Down syndrome, which may assist shoe fit. However, the reproducibility of measuring foot dimensions using 3D scans in children and adolescents with Down syndrome is unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the intra- and inter-rater reproducibility of measuring foot dimensions of children and adolescents with Down syndrome using 3D scanning. METHODS: 3D foot scans of 30 participants with Down syndrome aged 5 to 17 years were obtained using the FotoScan 3D scanner. Foot dimensions assessed were foot length, ball of foot length, outside ball of foot length, diagonal foot width, horizontal foot width, heel width, ball girth, instep girth, first and fifth toe height, and instep height. Additionally, the Wesjflog Index and forefoot shape were determined. Measurements were completed by two raters independently on two separate occasions, 2 weeks apart. Intra- and inter-rater reliability were assessed using intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs) and Gwet's AC1 statistics with 95% confidence intervals. Agreement was determined by calculating limits of agreement (LOA) and percentage agreement. RESULTS: Eighteen participants were female and 12 were male (mean age 10.6 [3.9] years). Intra-rater reproducibility (ICCs ranged from 0.74 to 0.99, 95% LOA from - 13.7 mm to 16.3 mm) and inter-rater reproducibility (ICCs ranging from 0.73 to 0.99, 95% LOA from - 18.8 mm to 12.7 mm) was good to excellent, although some measurements (ball of foot length, outside ball of foot length, heel width and girth measurements) displayed wider LOAs indicating relatively poorer agreement. Forefoot shape displayed substantial to almost perfect reliability (Gwet's AC1 0.68 to 0.85) and percentage agreement ranged from 73 to 87%, indicating acceptable agreement. CONCLUSIONS: The measurement of specific foot dimensions of children and adolescents with Down syndrome using 3D scans is reproducible. Findings of this study may be used to support future research measuring specific foot dimensions of children and adolescents with Down syndrome using 3D foot scans.

Incorrectly fitted footwear, foot pain and foot disorders: a systematic search and narrative review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Correct footwear fitting is acknowledged as being vitally important, as incorrectly fitted footwear has been linked to foot pathology. The aim of this narrative review was to determine the prevalence of incorrectly fitted footwear and to examine the association between incorrectly fitted footwear, foot pain and foot disorders. METHODS: A database search of Ovid MEDLINE and CINAHL yielded 1,681 citations for title and abstract review. Eighteen articles were included. Findings were summarised under the categories of (i) children, (ii) adults, (ii) older people, (iii) people with diabetes and (iii) occupation- or activity-specific footwear. Differences in footwear fitting between sexes were also explored. RESULTS: Between 63 and 72% of participants were wearing shoes that did not accommodate either width or length dimensions of their feet. There was also evidence that incorrect footwear fitting was associated with foot pain and foot disorders such as lesser toe deformity, corns and calluses. Specific participant groups, such as children with Down syndrome and older people and people with diabetes were more likely to wear shoes that were too narrow (between 46 and 81%). CONCLUSION: A large proportion of the population wear incorrectly sized footwear, which is associated with foot pain and foot disorders. Greater emphasis should be placed on both footwear fitting education and the provision of an appropriately large selection of shoes that can accommodate the variation in foot morphology among the population, particularly in relation to foot width.

Centre of pressure characteristics during walking in individuals with and without first metatarsophalangeal joint osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to compare centre of pressure characteristics during walking in individuals with and without first metatarsophalangeal joint osteoarthritis (1st MTPJ OA), in order to provide insights into alterations in foot function associated with this condition. METHODS: Twenty people with 1st MTPJ OA and 20 asymptomatic controls matched for age, sex and body mass index underwent gait analysis using the emed®-x400 plantar pressure system (Novel GmbH, Germany). Average and maximum centre of pressure velocity and lateral-medial force index during loading, midstance, terminal stance and preswing were compared between the groups. RESULTS: During the preswing phase of gait, maximum centre of pressure velocity was significantly slower in individuals with 1st MTPJ OA (0.78 ±â€¯0.19 vs 1.13 ±â€¯0.36 m/sec; p = 0.003), and both average and maximum lateral-medial force indices were significantly higher in individuals with 1st MTPJ OA (0.98 ±â€¯0.14 vs 0.82 ±â€¯0.13; p < 0.001 and 1.37 ±â€¯0.29 vs 1.15 ±â€¯0.15; p = 0.008, respectively). Non-weightbearing 1st MTPJ dorsiflexion range of motion was significantly associated with maximum centre of pressure velocity (r = 0.54, p < 0.001) and average lateral-medial force index (r = -0.44, p = 0.004) during preswing. CONCLUSIONS: Individuals with 1st MTPJ OA exhibit significant differences in centre of pressure characteristics during propulsion, possibly due to decreased range of available 1st MTPJ dorsiflexion.

The relationship between foot posture and plantar pressure during walking in adults: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Foot posture is a risk factor for some lower limb injuries, however the underlying mechanism is not well understood. Plantar pressure analysis is one technique to investigate the interaction between foot posture and biomechanical function of the lower limb. RESEARCH QUESTION: The aim of this review was to investigate the relationship between foot posture and plantar pressure during walking. METHODS: A systematic database search was conducted using MEDLINE, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus and Embase to identify studies that have assessed the relationship between foot posture and plantar pressure during walking. Included studies were assessed for methodological quality. Meta-analysis was not conducted due to heterogeneity between studies. Inconsistencies included foot posture classification techniques, gait analysis protocols, selection of plantar pressure parameters and statistical analysis approaches. RESULTS: Of the 4213 citations identified for title and abstract review, sixteen studies were included and underwent quality assessment; all were of moderate methodological quality. There was some evidence that planus feet display higher peak pressure, pressure-time integral, maximum force, force-time integral and contact area predominantly in the medial arch, central forefoot and hallux, while these variables are lower in the lateral and medial forefoot. In contrast, cavus feet display higher peak pressure and pressure-time integral in the heel and lateral forefoot, while pressure-time integral, maximum force, force-time integral and contact area are lower for the midfoot and hallux. Centre of pressure was more laterally deviated in cavus feet and more medially deviated in planus feet. Overall, effect sizes were moderate, but regression models could only explain a small amount of variance in plantar pressure variables. SIGNIFICANCE: Despite these significant findings, future research would benefit from greater methodological rigour, particularly in relation to the use of valid foot posture measurement techniques, gait analysis protocols, and standardised approaches for analysis and reporting of plantar pressure variables.

Foot posture is associated with plantar pressure during gait: A comparison of normal, planus and cavus feet.

BACKGROUND: Variations in foot posture, such as pes planus (low medial longitudinal arch) or pes cavus (high medial longitudinal arch) are associated with some lower limb injuries. However, the mechanism that links foot posture to injury is not clear. Research question The aim of this study was to compare plantar pressure between healthy individuals with normal, planus or cavus feet. METHODS: Ninety-two healthy volunteers (aged 18 to 45) were classified as either normal (n = 35), pes planus (n = 31) or pes cavus (n = 26) based on the Foot Posture Index, Arch Index and normalised navicular height truncated. Barefoot walking trials were conducted using an emed®-x400 plantar pressure system (Novel GmbH, Munich, Germany). An 11 region mask was used that included the medial heel, lateral heel, midfoot, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th metatarsophalangeal joints, hallux, 2nd toe, and the 3rd, 4th and 5th toes. Peak pressure, pressure-time integral, maximum force, force-time integral and contact area were calculated for each region. One way analyses of variance and effect sizes were used to compare the three foot posture groups. RESULTS: Overall, the largest differences were between the planus and cavus foot groups in forefoot pressure and force. In particular, peak pressures at the 4th and 5th MTPJs in the planus foot group were lower compared to the normal and cavus foot groups, and displayed the largest effect sizes. Significance This study confirms that foot posture does influence plantar pressures, and that each foot posture classification displays unique plantar pressure characteristics.

Centre of pressure characteristics in normal, planus and cavus feet.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare centre of pressure (COP) characteristics between healthy adults with normal, planus or cavus feet who were allocated to groups based on reliable foot posture measurement techniques. METHODS: Ninety-two healthy adult participants (aged 18 to 45) were recruited and classified as either normal (n = 35), pes planus (n = 31) or pes cavus (n = 26) based on Foot Posture Index, Arch Index and normalised navicular height truncated measurements. Barefoot walking trials were conducted using an emed®-x 400 plantar pressure system (Novel GmbH, Munich, Germany). Average, maximum, minimum and range (difference between maximum and minimum) values were calculated for COP velocity and lateral-medial force index during loading response, midstance, terminal stance and pre-swing phases of stance. The COP excursion index was also calculated. One-way analyses of variance were used to compare the three foot posture groups. RESULTS: The cavus foot exhibited the slowest average and minimum COP velocity during terminal stance, but this pattern was reversed during pre-swing, when the cavus foot exhibited the fastest maximum COP velocity. The planus foot exhibited the smallest lateral medial force index range during terminal stance. There were no differences between the groups for COP excursion index. CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that there are differences in COP characteristics between foot postures, which may represent different mechanisms for generating force to facilitate forward progression of the body during the propulsive phases of gait.