Foot health-related quality of life among elderly with and without lesser toe deformities: a case-control study

Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare the health-related quality of life impact related to foot health and health in general in older adults with lesser toe deformities (LTD) and without any foot conditions. Methods: A case-control observational study was carried out following the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology criteria. A total of 100 older adults with a mean age of 74.39 +/- 6.02 years were recruited at an outpatient clinic; 50 of these subjects had LTD (case group) and 50 subjects were without any foot conditions (control group). Presence of LTD was determined in both feet using the Kelikian push-up test, and the Foot Health Status Questionnaire scores were self-reported. Results: The case group showed lower scores in quality of life in relation to health in general and to foot health specifically. Statistically significant differences (p<0.05) between case and control groups were shown by means of the Wicoxon test. Conclusion: A negative impact in quality of life in relation to foot health should be considered in older adults with LTD, regardless of gender.