Foot Health & Its Association with the Quality of Life in Individuals with Foot Dysfunctions

Abstract

Foot health plays a critical role in maintaining overall health and functions. Foot fitness is dependent upon many factors. Various problems limit the foot's functionality and affect the quality of life. Posture, gait, mobility, and balance are directly related to podiatric health. The study aimed to determine foot health and quality of life in individuals with foot dysfunctions and establish its relationship with quality of life. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among the general population of the twin cities of Pakistan (Islamabad & Rawalpindi). A self-structured online questionnaire was distributed among 323 individuals aged 25-60 years suffering from different foot problems. The study showed that 259 (80.19%) of the participants were females, and 64 (19.81%) were males. Teachers, nurses, beauticians, and housewives reported moderate pain levels on numeric pain rating scales, likely associated with long standing hours and the use of flat and tight shoes. This impacted their ability to perform daily tasks, moderate to vigorous activities, and limited ability to walk. This study concluded that the most commonly reported issues were heel pain, ankle pain, and metatarsalgia. Moreover, the commonly affected foot regions were the hind foot and toes. Diet and social life remained mostly unaffected in individuals with heel pain and edema as these conditions were very common among the selected population, and they adapted their lifestyles accordingly. In conclusion, health and quality of life were negatively impacted in individuals with metatarsalgia, flat foot, and ankle sprain.