Hallux valgus and flat feet: Are plantar forces equal? [Hálux valgo e pés planos: As forças plantares são iguais?]

Abstract

Objective: to measure the plantar forces above the toes of women with hallux valgus and/or flat feet. Methods: This study involved women with hallux valgus and/or flat feet confirmed by X-ray images. The plantar forces were measured utilizing force plates. Force was measured three times, which were taken with the women on barefoot and at upright position, recording the average for the three measurements. Data were acquired from Spider 8 system (HBM) and analyzed by using a Catman® software. The measurements for both feet's toes force were reported and the averages were compared by the Student's t-test according to the presence of hallux valgus and flat feet; the association between these deformities was estimated by using the two-tailed Fischer's exact test, the statistical significance adopted was α = 5%. Results: For this study, 20 women with or without hallux valgus were included. The mean force values found showed to be higher on the fifth toe compared to first toe of both feet (p < 0.05) in both situations. Conclusion: in this study, we found strong forces on the fifth toe than on the first toe, contradicting some studies in literature.