128 Foot problems in older persons attending a day hospital

Abstract

Abstract Background Foot problems may contribute to pain and falls in older people. We documented the prevalence of foot problems in older persons attending a Day Hospital for rehabilitation. Methods Symptoms of foot pain and prevalence of foot problems and inappropriate footwear were documented by 2 physiotherapists using a ‘foot problem score’ in consecutive referrals by consultant geriatricians to an offsite day hospital with rehabilitation expertise over a 3-month period. Subjects were categorised into 2 groups depending on whether they had none/only one fall or multiple falls in previous 12 months. Results Sixty-seven patients, age 72–93 years were included in the study. The most common foot problem was hallux valgus in 62 patients (93%) of whom 41(66%) and 4(6.5%) had moderate or severe deviation respectively. Other findings included corn/callus in 37(55%) patients, toenail abnormality in 30(44.7%) whilst only one patient was found to have an ulcer. Seventeen patients (25.4%) complained of painful feet. Twenty-nine patients (43%) were multiple fallers (2 or more falls in previous 12 months) of whom 13(44.8%) complained of foot pain compared to only 4/38(10.5%) of patients with none or only one fall over previous 12 months complaining of foot pain (p = 0.0014). Footwear was deemed inappropriate in 18.8% of patients whilst 56.3% were attending chiropody. Conclusion The higher prevalence of foot problems and foot pain in this survey compared to a similar survey (1) in community dwelling older persons may reflect increased comorbidities in this day hospital population and the adverse effects of foot pain on balance and function. Foot and footwear assessment should be incorporated into comprehensive geriatric assessment.