Association between hallux valgus pain and foot-related quality of life: The hallux valgus and pain epidemiology study.

BACKGROUND

The etiology and treatment outcomes of hallux valgus (HV) are widely investigated. However, research on pain and its impact on quality of life (QOL) remains limited. This study aimed to examine the detailed characteristics of pain associated with HV and to assess how this pain impacts daily activities and QOL.

METHODS

We conducted a large cross-sectional investigation, the Hallux Valgus and Pain Epidemiology Study, in Japan. A total of 1700 participants, aged ≥20 years, provided foot photographs and completed a self-administered questionnaire. The HV angle was measured using the submitted photographs. Propensity score matching for age and sex was performed to compare QOL outcomes, using the Self-Administered Foot Evaluation Questionnaire (SAFE-Q), between participants with and those without HV.

RESULTS

Among the 1700 participants, 419 were diagnosed with HV. Those with HV exhibited lower QOL scores across all self-administered foot evaluation questionnaire subscales, including pain, physical functioning, social functioning, and footwear. Greater HV severity correlated with increased foot pain (33.6 % in mild and 57.1 % in severe cases) and reduced QOL. Pain was most common in the big toe in mild/moderate cases but shifted to the lesser toes and metatarsal regions in severe cases. Multivariate analysis revealed the HV angle, daily physical activity, and coexisting knee pain as significant factors associated with HV pain.

CONCLUSIONS

HV severity is closely associated with pain and lower QOL, particularly in cases involving pain in the lesser toes and metatarsalgia. Identifying risk factors for HV pain can guide preventive measures and improve patient outcomes.