Effects of hallux valgus deformity on rear foot position, pain, function, and quality of life of women

[Purpose] To investigate the relationship between hallux valgus (HV) deformity and the position of rearfoot joints, and its effects on the quality of life, pain, and related functional status of women with bilateral hallux valgus (HV). [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were 27 right-dominant women. Demographic data, HV angle, weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing subtalar pronation (SP), and navicular height were recorded. Visual Analog Pain Scale, Foot Function Index (FFI), and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) first metatarsophalangeal- interphalangeal (MTP-IP) and AOFAS Mid foot (MF) Scales, and SF-36 were also used. [Results] HV angle, weight-bearing SP, and pain intensity of the left foot were higher. HV angle of left foot was correlated with all sub-scales of FFI, the pain parameter of AOFAS MTP-IP, and pain and total scores of AOFAS-MF Scale. HV angle of the left foot correlated with physical role, pain, and social function sub-domains of SF-36. Right HV angles were correlated with right foot pain and non-weight-bearing SP. [Conclusion] Increasing HV angle and pathomechanical changes in the rear foot are correlated, resulting in increasing pain and thus decreasing functional status as well as decreasing quality of life. Although all the participants were right-dominant, their left foot problems were more prominent.