Podiatric Medical Abnormalities in a Random Population Sample 40 Years or Older in Spain

by MASS4D® Prescription Orthotics March 11, 2018

The aim of this study was to determine the podiatric medical abnormalities of a random population sample from a municipal district in northwestern Spain.

A cross-sectional study was conducted between November 2009 and July 2012 of a random population sample from Cambre.

The sampling frame consisted of individuals residing in Cambre who were identified through the National Health System card census; in Spain, the National Health System has universal coverage and almost all Spanish citizens are beneficiaries of public health services.

For each person included in the study, the following variables were assessed: anthropometric variables (age, sex, body mass index); chronic comorbid diseases (comorbidities) using the Charlson comorbidity index; quality of life using the 36 Item Short Form Health Survey; and a podiatric medical examination.

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The podiatric medical examination, performed by an experienced podologist, included the following assessments – Footprint Obtained with a Pedograph, Arches, Foot Shape, Metatarsal Shape, Shoe Wear Patterns, Forefoot-to-Rearfoot Relationship, Rearfoot Position and Foot Deformities.

Regarding the general characteristics of the study sample, prevalences of obesity and diabetes were found. 

The most common diseases were claw toes, hallux valgus and hallux extensus which increased with age and female sex.

Even in the working population, there was a high prevalence of crooked toes, reaching 55% in women and 40.5% in men.

In this study, although the presence of podiatric medical abnormalities reduced the probability of enjoying a better quality of life, it did not do so significantly.

After taking into account age, sex, comorbidity, body mass index (BMI), and the presence of podiatric medical abnormalities, the variables with an independent effect that modified the physical component of quality of life were sex (female), comorbidity and BMI.

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References:

1. Pita-Fernandez, S., González-Martín, C., Seoane-Pillado, T., Pertega-Diaz, S., Perez-Garcia, S., López-Calviño, B. (2014) Podiatric Medical Abnormalities in a Random Population Sample 40 Years or Older in Spain. Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association: November/December 2014, Vol. 104, No. 6, pp. 574-582 

 

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