Alterations in the Quality of Life in Older People With Foot Problems: A Retrospective Case-Control Study

Foot pathologies among older people have increased considerably, especially as life expectancy has increased, becoming a common reason for podiatric and medical foot care. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the variances in the quality of life (QoL) linked to overall foot health in older population with presence or absence of foot problems.

A retrospective case-control investigation was performed in an outpatient health center, where a senior clinician recorded information linked to clinical and sociodemographic features. Besides, self-reported information on QoL and overall foot health were analyzed through the specific tool known as Foot Health Status Questionnaire in all older participants.

A total sample consisted of 120 older people (60 controls and 60 cases), with a median age of 73.50 years and recorded the interquartile range as 23 years of age. The older adults recorded lower values for all domains related with foot health and the overall health compared with the control group.

Older people with foot problems such as hallux abducto valgus, pes planus, metatarsalgias, keratotic disorders, heel pain, toenail deformities, deformed toes, Morton neuroma, and cavus foot present a negative influence linked to QoL and to overall foot health, which seems to be marked with the aging process and the presence of alterations on the foot in the older population.