Influence of Shoe Characteristics on the Development of Valgus Foot in Children.

Miguel Medina-Alcantara,Jose Morales-Asencio,Joaquin Paez-Moguer,Ana Ortega-Avila,Jose Cervera-Marin,Gabriel Gijon-Nogueron,Ana Jimenez-Cebrian

doi:10.3390/jcm8010085

Miguel Medina-Alcantara, Jose Morales-Asencio + Show 5 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm8010085

Copy DOI

Abstract

For thousands of years, shoes have been worn to protect the feet from injury, and the proper choice and use of footwear are directly relevant to foot health, especially that of children. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between shoe-related factors (type and frequency of use) and the prevalence of valgus foot in children. This analytical cross-sectional observational study was carried out on a population of children in the first, second or third year of primary education, to analyzing the frequency and type of shoes worn, and to determining the presence or not of valgus foot. The sample consisted of 132 children (of 642 potential subjects), with an average age of 7.53 years (Standard Deviation (SD) 0.80), which was composed of 61 boys (46.2%) and 71 girls (53.8%). The overall prevalence of valgus foot was 45.5% (n = 60). The use of boots 2–5 days a week was significantly associated, in both sexes, with a lower prevalence of valgus in the left foot (30.5%, p = 0.009). The use of boots could be associated with a lower presence of valgus, depending on the frequency of wear.

Highlights

The child’s foot is constantly growing and solidifying its structure and form
For thethe diagnosis of paediatric valgus foot (PVF), it isitfrequently associated withwith flatfoot, we evaluated the valgus
For diagnosis of PVF, is frequently associated flatfoot, we evaluated the deviation of the hindfoot by reference to the to valgus indexindex

Summary

Introduction

The child’s foot is constantly growing and solidifying its structure and form. The morphological and functional development of the foot is influenced by internal (gender, genetics) and external (e.g., shoewearing habits) factors. Childrens’ feet react more sensitively, especially to external factors, and are subjected to greater traumatic stresses than adult feet. The importance of accurate fitting is essential in children, since their foot structure is not consolidated and the influence of compression might be harmful [1]. The correct choice of footwear is especially important because their growth and development are characterised by the evolutionary dynamics of the locomotor system and by the physical activity to which the lower body is subjected. This choice is often influenced by aesthetic, economic, or marketing issues, rather than by considerations of health. To raise awareness of the importance of these questions, and to enable parents and others to reach suitable decisions, research is needed to highlight the direct influence of the shoe on the movement of the foot and on its functionality [3]

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion