A case-series study to explore the efficacy of foot orthoses in treating first metatarsophalangeal joint pain

Assessment and Management of Atraumatic First Metatarsophalangeal Joint Pain

Nontraumatic pain in the first metatarsophalangeal joint is frequent and can be debilitating. The metatarsophalangeal joint complex comprises four articulating surfaces including the first metatarsal, the proximal phalanx, and tibial and fibular sesamoids, which are all contained within a synovial capsule. The most common causes of pain are hallux valgus and hallux rigidus. However, other diagnoses, such as functional hallux limitus, sesamoiditis, gout, and inflammatory autoimmune arthritis, need to be considered as well. A systematic approach is key to accurately diagnose the source of pain, which can sometimes be the result of more than one condition. The most important clinical information to obtain is a focused history, meticulous clinical examination based on understanding the precise anatomy and biomechanics of the first metatarsophalangeal joint, and analysis of the relevant imaging. Each pathology has a different treatment algorithm, as such, understanding the pathoanatomy and biomechanics is important in forming an effective treatment plan.

Effect of foot orthoses vs sham insoles on first metatarsophalangeal joint osteoarthritis symptoms: a randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVES

To compare contoured foot orthoses to sham flat insoles for first MTP joint OA walking pain.

DESIGN

This was a participant- and assessor-blinded, sham-controlled, multi-centre randomized clinical trial set in community-based private practices. Eighty-eight adults aged ≥45 years with symptomatic radiographic first MTP joint OA were randomized to receive contoured foot orthoses (n = 47) or sham flat insoles (n = 41), worn at all times when wearing shoes for 12 weeks. Primary outcome was change in first MTP joint walking pain (11-point numerical rating scale (NRS), 0-10) over 12 weeks. Secondary outcomes included additional first MTP joint and foot pain measures, physical function, quality of life and physical activity. Separate linear regression models for primary and secondary outcomes on treatment group were fit, adjusting for the outcome at baseline and podiatrist. Other measures included adverse events.

RESULTS

88 participants were randomized and 87 (99%) completed the 12-week primary outcome. There was no evidence foot orthoses were superior to sham insoles for reducing pain (mean difference -0.3 NRS units (95% CI -1.2 to 0.6), p = 0.53). Similarly, foot orthoses were not superior to sham on any secondary outcomes. Sensitivity analyses yielded similar results. Adverse events were generally minor and transient.

CONCLUSION

Contoured foot orthoses are no more effective than flat sham insoles for the clinical management of first MTP joint OA. Given the dearth of evidence on treatments for first MTP joint OA, further research is needed to identify effective management approaches for this common and debilitating condition.

The efficacy of shoe modifications and foot orthoses in treating patients with hallux rigidus: a comprehensive review of literature

Hallux rigidus (HR) is a degenerative disease of the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP1) joint and affects about 2.5% of people older than 50 years. The real etiology of this condition remains under debate. Clinical symptoms, physical exam, and instrumental evidence are important in assessing and grading the disease. The anatomy of the first metatarsal is unique and its configuration may play a significant role in the HR development. The first approach in the early stages of the disease usually begins with shoe modifications and foot orthoses, designed to limit irritation from the dorsal osteophytes, reducing motion and the mechanical stresses on the joint. To prevent or delay the development of HR, shoes should be sufficiently long, comfortable, with high toe box and broad toe-boxed, and should bear an allowed space for the orthotic device. The ideal orthotic appears to require a 3-mm thickness with a correct stiffness, and also increasing and extending the medial metatarsal arch just proximal to the metatarsal head, raising the first metatarsal and allowing the proximal phalanx to rest in a more plantarflexed position, decompressing the dorsal aspect of the joint. The increased foot pronation moment with medial column overload, when present, should be corrected. In addition, the maximum follow-up found by the analyzed studies was of 14.4 years, so the Authors cannot conclude how long conservative care can keep a patient free from pain and able to perform normal daily activities. However, the use of shoe modifications and foot orthoses may be considered a safe treatment and then should be always offered to patients, before any surgical management. (www.actabiomedica.it)

Foot orthoses for first metatarsophalangeal joint osteoarthritis: study protocol for the FORT randomised controlled trial

Background

First metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint osteoarthritis (OA) is a painful and debilitating condition affecting nearly one in 10 people aged over 50 years. Non-drug, non-surgical treatments are recommended by OA clinical guidelines, yet there have only ever been two randomised controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating such strategies in people with first MTP joint OA. Foot orthoses are a common non-drug, non-surgical strategy used by allied health professionals for people with first MTP joint OA, however, it is unknown whether these devices are effective in improving the symptoms associated with the condition. This clinical trial aimed to determine whether contoured foot orthoses lead to greater reductions in first MTP joint pain on walking compared to sham flat insoles in people with first MTP joint OA.

Methods

The FORT trial (Foot ORthoses for big Toe joint osteoarthritis) is a two-arm participant- and assessor-blinded, multi-site RCT conducted in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and the Gold Coast, Australia. We are recruiting 88 community-dwelling people with symptomatic radiographic first MTP joint OA. Following baseline assessment, participants are randomized to receive either: i) contoured foot orthoses; or ii) sham flat insoles following baseline assessment. Participants have two visits with a study podiatrist where they are provided with their allocated insoles, to be worn daily for 12 weeks at all times when wearing shoes. The primary outcome is self-reported first MTP joint pain on walking (numerical rating scale), assessed at baseline and 12 weeks. Secondary outcomes include additional measures of first MTP joint and foot pain, physical function, quality of life, participant-perceived global ratings of change (pain and function), and level of physical activity.

Discussion

This study will provide novel evidence about whether contoured foot orthoses improve pain and other symptoms compared to sham insoles in people with first MTP joint OA. Outcomes will help to inform clinical guidelines and practice about the use of foot orthoses for managing symptoms in this under-researched group of people with OA.

Trial registration

Prospectively registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (reference: ACTRN12619000926134) on 3/07/2019.

Heel Height as an Etiology of Hallux Abductus Valgus Development: An electromagnetic Static and Dynamic First Metatarsophalangeal Joint Study

Background: Hallux abductus valgus (HAV) is a forefoot condition produced by extrinsic and intrinsic factors. Shoes with a high heel height and a typical narrow tip toe box can induce deviations in both the proximal phalanx of the hallux (PPH) and the first metatarsal (IMTT) bones. Nevertheless, the isolated role of heel height remains unclear in the development of HAV pathology. Objectives: The goal was to determine if the heel height increase of shoes without a narrow box toe could augment the PPH and IMTT deviation in frontal, sagittal, and transverse planes toward the first metatarsophalangeal joint (MPJ) and the first metatarsocuneiform joint (MCJ), respectively, during static and dynamic conditions in relation to precursor movements of HAV. Methods: Women with an average age of 25.10 ± 4.67 years were recruited in this cross-sectional study to assess the three planes of motion of PPH and IMTT while wearing high heels with heights at 3, 6, 9 cm and unshod conditions via sandals. The measurements used an electromagnetic goniometer device with sensors placed on medial aspects of the PPH and IMTT bones under static and dynamic conditions. Results: Wearing shoes with a 6 cm heel in dynamic condition may increase the PPH valgus and abduction deviation from 3.15 ± 0.10° to 3.46 ± 0.05° (p < 0.05) and from 1.35 ± 0.28° to 1.69 ± 0.30° (p < 0.001), respectively. In addition, a PPH abduction increase from 1.01 ± 0.36° to 1.31 ± 0.46° (p < 0.05) after wearing shoes with a 6 cm heel height was observed under static conditions. Conclusions: Wearing shoes with a heel height of 6 cm without a narrow box toe interference may produce PPH abduction and valgus deviations related to HAV formation.

Foot osteoarthritis: latest evidence and developments

Foot osteoarthritis (OA) is a common problem in older adults yet is under-researched compared to knee or hand OA. Most existing studies focus on the first metatarsophalangeal joint, with evidence relating to midfoot OA being particularly sparse. Symptomatic radiographic foot OA affects 17% of adults aged 50 years and over. The first metatarsophalangeal joint is most commonly affected, followed by the second cuneometatarsal and talonavicular joints. Epidemiological studies suggest the existence of distinct first metatarsophalangeal joint and polyarticular phenotypes, which have differing clinical and risk factor profiles. There are few randomized controlled trials in foot OA. Existing trials provide some evidence of the effectiveness for pain relief of physical therapy, rocker-sole shoes, foot orthoses and surgical interventions in first metatarsophalangeal joint OA and prefabricated orthoses in midfoot OA. Prospective epidemiological studies and randomized trials are needed to establish the incidence, progression and prognosis of foot OA and determine the effectiveness of both commonly used and more novel interventions.

Biomechanical Effects of Prefabricated Foot Orthoses and Rocker-Sole Footwear in Individuals With First Metatarsophalangeal Joint Osteoarthritis

Objective

To evaluate the effects of prefabricated foot orthoses and rocker‐sole footwear on spatiotemporal parameters, hip and knee kinematics, and plantar pressures in people with first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint osteoarthritis (OA). Methods. A total of 102 people with first MTP joint OA were randomly allocated to receive prefabricated foot orthoses or rocker‐sole footwear. The immediate biomechanical effects of the interventions (compared to usual footwear) were examined using a wearable sensor motion analysis system and an in‐shoe plantar pressure measurement system.

Results

Spatiotemporal/kinematic and plantar pressure data were available from 88 and 87 participants, respectively. The orthoses had minimal effect on spatiotemporal or kinematic parameters, while the rocker‐sole footwear resulted in reduced cadence, percentage of the gait cycle spent in stance phase, and sagittal plane hip range of motion. The orthoses increased peak pressure under the midfoot and lesser toes. Both interventions significantly reduced peak pressure under the first MTP joint, and the rocker‐sole shoes also reduced peak pressure under the second through fifth MTP joints and heel. When the effects of the orthoses and rocker‐sole shoes were directly compared, there was no difference in peak pressure under the hallux, first MTP joint, or heel; however, the rocker‐sole shoes exhibited lower peak pressure under the lesser toes, second through fifth MTP joints, and midfoot.

Conclusion

Prefabricated foot orthoses and rocker‐sole footwear are effective at reducing peak pressure under the first MTP joint in people with first MTP joint OA, but achieve this through different mechanisms. Further research is required to determine whether these biomechanical changes result in improvements in symptoms.

Predictors of response to prefabricated foot orthoses or rocker-sole footwear in individuals with first metatarsophalangeal joint osteoarthritis

BACKGROUND

Osteoarthritis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint (1st MTPJ OA) is a common and disabling condition commonly managed with footwear and orthotic interventions. The objective of this study was to identify factors associated with a successful treatment response in people with 1st MTPJ OA provided with prefabricated orthoses or rocker-sole footwear as part of a randomised clinical trial.

METHODS

People with 1st MTPJ OA (n = 88) who participated in a randomised trial were allocated to receive prefabricated foot orthoses (n = 47) or rocker-sole footwear (n = 41) and completed a baseline questionnaire including information on demographics, anthropometrics, general health, pain characteristics (including the Foot Health Status Questionnaire [FHSQ] and Foot Function Index [FFI]) and perceptions of the interventions, and a clinical assessment of foot posture, range of motion, radiographic severity and in-shoe plantar pressures. Adherence was documented using diaries. At 12 weeks, participants documented their perception of improvement on a 15-point scale. Those reporting at least moderate improvement on this scale were classified as 'responders'.

RESULTS

There were 29 responders (62%) in the orthoses group and 16 responders (39%) in the rocker-sole group. In the orthoses group, responders had greater baseline pain severity while walking, a higher FFI difficulty score, and wore their orthoses more frequently. In the rocker-sole group, responders had a higher FFI stiffness score and greater radiographic severity. However, the accuracy of these variables in identifying responders in each group was modest (62 and 53%, respectively).

CONCLUSION

The response to prefabricated orthoses or rocker-sole footwear in people with 1st MTPJ OA is related to measures of increased pain and disease severity. However, the overall classification accuracy associated with these factors is not sufficient for identifying individuals who are most likely to benefit from these interventions.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN12613001245785.

Comprehensive Review of Non-Operative Management of Hallux Rigidus

This article aims to provide an evidence-based literature review for the non-operative management of hallux rigidus. Currently, there is very little article on the evidence for the non-operative management of hallux rigidus. A comprehensive evidence-based literature review of the PubMed database conducted in November 2016, identified 11 relevant articles out of 560 articles assessing the efficacy of non-operative modalities for hallux rigidus. The 11 studies were then assigned to a level of evidence (I-IV). Individual studies were reviewed to provide a grade of recommendation (A-C, I) according to the Wright classification in support of or against the non-operative modality. Based on the results of this evidence-based review, there is poor evidence (grade C) to support use of intra-articular injections for pain relief for a period of three months and fair evidence (grade B) against the use of intra-articular injections for long term efficacy. There is poor evidence (grade C) to support manipulation and physical therapy and poor evidence (grade C) to support modifications in footwear, insoles and orthotics. There were no good evidence (grade A) recommending any interventions. In general, most of the interventions showed improvement. However, the evidence is poor in recommending orthosis, manipulation and intra-articular injections. There is a need for high-quality Level I randomized controlled trials with validated outcome measures to allow for stronger recommendations to be made. There is no study that looked solely at the use of pharmaceutical oral agents for the treatment of hallux rigidus. Non-operative management should still be offered, prior to surgical management.

Effect by custom-made foot orthoses with added support under the first metatarso-phalangeal joint in hallux limitus patients: Improving on first metatarso-phalangeal joint extension

BACKGROUND

Hallux limitus is one of the most common disorders affecting foot biomechanics. Custom-made foot orthoses can improve the function of the first metatarso-phalangeal joint.

OBJECTIVES

The objective underlying this study was to test whether custom-made foot orthoses increased the range of mobility of metatarso-phalangeal joint in patients with hallux limitus.

STUDY DESIGN

Randomized, double-blinded, and clinical trial.

METHODS

The study consisted of 20 participants (40 feet) diagnosed with hallux limitus. A control group and an experimental group both wore the same custom-made foot orthoses and, in the experimental group, a support element under the first metatarso-phalangeal joint was added to the orthoses. Two measurements were made with both groups: the relaxed position of the first metatarso-phalangeal joint and the maximum extension of the hallux. These measurements were made before first placing the foot orthoses and 6 months after application of the treatment.

RESULTS

In the experimental group, the results showed an improvement of 4.5° in the relaxed position and 22.2° in the maximum extension being statistically significant (p < 0.001) for both measurements.

CONCLUSION

Custom-made foot orthoses with added support under the first metatarso-phalangeal joint were proved to be an effective treatment to restore functionality of this joint in hallux limitus patients.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Limitation of hallux movement in the joints propulsive phase of gait negatively affects the biomechanics of the lower extremity, causing changes in the rest of the joins. The use of foot orthoses designed in this study restores range of motion of the first metatarso-phalangeal joint.

Effectiveness of Foot Orthoses Versus Rocker-Sole Footwear for First Metatarsophalangeal Joint Osteoarthritis: Randomized Trial

OBJECTIVE

To compare the effectiveness of prefabricated foot orthoses to rocker-sole footwear in reducing foot pain in people with first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint osteoarthritis (OA).

METHODS

Participants (n = 102) with first MTP joint OA were randomly allocated to receive individualized, prefabricated foot orthoses or rocker-sole footwear. The primary outcome measure was the pain subscale on the Foot Health Status Questionnaire (FHSQ) at 12 weeks. Secondary outcome measures included the function, footwear, and general foot health subscales of the FHSQ; the Foot Function Index; severity of pain and stiffness at the first MTP joint; perception of global improvement; general health status; use of rescue medication and co-interventions to relieve pain; physical activity; and the frequency of self-reported adverse events.

RESULTS

The FHSQ pain subscale scores improved in both groups, but no statistically significant difference between the groups was observed (adjusted mean difference 2.05 points, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] -3.61, 7.71; P = 0.477). However, the footwear group exhibited lower adherence (mean ± SD total hours worn 287 ± 193 versus 448 ± 234; P < 0.001), were less likely to report global improvement in symptoms (39% versus 62%; relative risk [RR] 0.63, 95% CI 0.41, 0.99; P = 0.043), and were more likely to experience adverse events (39% versus 16%; RR 2.47, 95% CI 1.12, 5.44; P = 0.024) compared to the orthoses group.

CONCLUSION

Prefabricated foot orthoses and rocker-sole footwear are similarly effective at reducing foot pain in people with first MTP joint OA. However, prefabricated foot orthoses may be the intervention of choice due to greater adherence and fewer associated adverse events.

Clinical improvement in functional hallux limitus using a cut-out orthosis

BACKGROUND

Functional hallux limitus (FHL) has been implicated in the development of metatarsophalangeal joint osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether cut-out orthosis treatment increases plantarflexion of the first metatarsal by increasing its declination angle.

STUDY DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

METHODS

A total of 46 female volunteers with an average age of 25.66 ± 5.70 years (range: 19-42 years) and FHL participated in the study. We assessed the degrees of movement of the first metatarsal and proximal phalanx bones at the first metatarsophalangeal joint without and while wearing the cut-out orthosis using the 3Space Fastrak® via sensors.

RESULTS

The movement of the plantarflexión declination angle of the first metatarsal bone was higher using the orthosis 29.84° ± 5.98° versus without orthosis 27.69° ± 5.91° (p < 0.031°). Use of sandals may have minimized the magnitude of movement changes associated with orthosis versus non-orthosis use.

CONCLUSION

The cut-out orthosis demonstrated a beneficial effect on non-fixed first metatarsophalangeal and metatarsal cuneiform joints affected by FHL, significantly increasing the declination of the metatarsal angle. Furthermore, use of the cut-out orthosis significantly reduced adduction movement of the first metatarsal bone in the transverse plane.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The cut-out orthosis demonstrated a beneficial effect on non-fixed first metatarsophalangeal and metatarsal cuneiform joints affected by FHL, significantly increasing the declination of the metatarsal angle. Furthermore, use of the cut-out orthosis significantly reduced adduction movement of the first metatarsal bone in the transverse plane.

Contribution Levels of Intrinsic Risk Factors to the Management of Patients with Plantar Heel Pain A Pilot Study

BACKGROUND

Of all of the lower-extremity injuries with multifactorial causes, heel pain represents the most frequent reason for visits to health-care professionals. Managing patients with heel pain can be very difficult. The purpose of this research was to identify key variables that can influence foot health in patients with heel pain.

METHODS

A cross-sectional observational study was performed with 62 participants recruited from the Educational Welfare Unit of the University of Malaga, Malaga, Spain. Therapists, blinded for the study, acquired the anthropometric information and the Foot Posture Index, and participants completed the Foot Health Status Questionnaire.

RESULTS

The most significant results reveal that there is a moderate relationship between clinical variables such as footwear and Foot Health Status Questionnaire commands such as Shoe (r = 0.515; P < .001). The most significant model domain was General Health (P < .001), with the highest determination coefficient (beta not standard = 34.05). The most significant predictable variable was body mass index (-0.110).

CONCLUSIONS

The variables that can help us manage clinical patients with heel pain are age, body mass index, footwear, and Foot Posture Index (left foot).

Hallux Rigidus: Nonoperative Treatment and Orthotics

Hallux rigidus, the most common degenerative disorder of the foot, is accountable for abnormality of gait and restriction of activity levels and daily function. This article describes and reviews the available literature on nonoperative modalities available in the treatment of hallux rigidus, including manipulation and intra-articular injections, shoe modifications and orthotics, physical therapy, and experimental therapies.

Rocker-sole footwear versus prefabricated foot orthoses for the treatment of pain associated with first metatarsophalangeal joint osteoarthritis: study protocol for a randomised trial

BACKGROUND

Osteoarthritis affecting the first metatarsophalangeal joint of the foot is a common condition which results in pain, stiffness and impaired ambulation. Footwear modifications and foot orthoses are widely used in clinical practice to treat this condition, but their effectiveness has not been rigorously evaluated. This article describes the design of a randomised trial comparing the effectiveness of rocker-sole footwear and individualised prefabricated foot orthoses in reducing pain associated with first metatarsophalangeal joint osteoarthritis.

METHODS

Eighty people with first metatarsophalangeal joint osteoarthritis will be randomly allocated to receive either a pair of rocker-sole shoes (MBT® Matwa, Masai Barefoot Technology, Switzerland) or a pair of individualised, prefabricated foot orthoses (Vasyli Customs, Vasyli Medical™, Queensland, Australia). At baseline, the biomechanical effects of the interventions will be examined using a wireless wearable sensor motion analysis system (LEGSys™, BioSensics, Boston, MA, USA) and an in-shoe plantar pressure system (Pedar®, Novel GmbH, Munich, Germany). The primary outcome measure will be the pain subscale of the Foot Health Status Questionnaire (FHSQ), measured at baseline and 4, 8 and 12 weeks. Secondary outcome measures will include the function, footwear and general foot health subscales of the FHSQ, severity of pain and stiffness at the first metatarsophalangeal joint (measured using 100 mm visual analog scales), global change in symptoms (using a 15-point Likert scale), health status (using the Short-Form-12® Version 2.0 questionnaire), use of rescue medication and co-interventions to relieve pain, the frequency and type of self-reported adverse events and physical activity levels (using the Incidental and Planned Activity Questionnaire). Data will be analysed using the intention to treat principle.

DISCUSSION

This study is the first randomised trial to compare the effectiveness of rocker-sole footwear and individualised prefabricated foot orthoses in reducing pain associated with osteoarthritis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint, and only the third randomised trial ever conducted for this condition. The study has been pragmatically designed to ensure that the findings can be implemented into clinical practice if the interventions are found to be effective, and the baseline biomechanical analysis will provide useful insights into their mechanism of action.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN12613001245785.

A review of the foot function index and the foot function index - revised

BACKGROUND

The Foot Function Index (FFI) is a self-report, foot-specific instrument measuring pain and disability and has been widely used to measure foot health for over twenty years. A revised FFI (FFI-R) was developed in response to criticism of the FFI. The purpose of this review was to assess the uses of FFI and FFI-R as were reported in medical and surgical literature and address the suggestions found in the literature to improve the metrics of FFI-R.

METHODS

A systematic literature search of PubMed/Medline and Embase databases from October 1991 through December 2010 comprised the main sources of literature. To enrich the bibliography, the search was extended to BioMedLib and Scopus search engines and manual search methods. Search terms included FFI, FFI scores, FFI-R. Requirements included abstracts/full length articles, English-language publications, and articles containing the term "foot complaints/problems." Articles selected were scrutinized; EBM abstracted data from literature and collected into tables designed for this review. EBM analyzed tables, KJC, JM, RMS reviewed and confirmed table contents. KJC and JM reanalyzed the original database of FFI-R to improve metrics.

RESULTS

Seventy-eight articles qualified for this review, abstracts were compiled into 12 tables. FFI and FFI-R were used in studies of foot and ankle disorders in 4700 people worldwide. FFI Full scale or the Subscales and FFI-R were used as outcome measures in various studies; new instruments were developed based on FFI subscales. FFI Full scale was adapted/translated into other cultures. FFI and FFI-R psychometric properties are reported in this review. Reanalysis of FFI-R subscales' confirmed unidimensionality, and the FFI-R questionnaires' response categories were edited into four responses for ease of use.

CONCLUSION

This review was limited to articles published in English in the past twenty years. FFI is used extensively worldwide; this instrument pioneered a quantifiable measure of foot health, and thus has shifted the paradigm of outcome measure to subjective, patient-centered, valid, reliable and responsive hard data endpoints. Edited FFI-R into four response categories will enhance its user friendliness for measuring foot health.

Factors associated with foot pain severity and foot-related disability in individuals with first metatarsophalangeal joint OA

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether participant characteristics and localized structural factors are associated with foot pain and foot-related disability in patients with symptomatic first MTP joint OA.

METHODS

One hundred and fifty-one participants (56 women and 95 men) aged 22-81 [mean age 54.5 (11.2)] years with symptomatic first MTP joint OA underwent a standardized clinical interview and assessment. Participant characteristics [age, gender, height, weight, BMI, duration of symptoms and total years of formal education (education attainment)] and localized factors (first MTP joint dorsiflexion range of motion, severity of radiographic OA, foot posture and plantarflexion strength of the hallux) were determined as potentially associated variables. Outcome variables were foot pain and foot-related disability, determined using the Foot Health Status Questionnaire. Univariate analyses were performed between potentially associated variables and outcome variables. Variables with significant univariate associations were then entered into multivariate linear regression models to identify independently associated variables.

RESULTS

Education attainment and BMI were both significantly and independently associated with foot pain severity and foot-related disability. However, these variables only explained ∼10-12% of the variance in foot pain and foot-related disability.

CONCLUSIONS

People with symptomatic first MTP joint OA that have an increased BMI and/or lower level of education attainment experience more foot pain and have greater foot-related disability. Prospective studies are required to confirm these findings and identify other factors associated with foot pain and foot-related disability in people with symptomatic first MTP joint OA.