Osteoporos Sarcopenia.  2024 Sep;10(3):114-118. 10.1016/j.afos.2024.08.002.

Foot and knee deformities in relation to functional limitations and incident osteoarthritis: A prospective cohort study

• Mak JK
• Tan KCB
• Wong JSH
• Chung MMH
• Cheung CL

• KMID: 2559932
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.1016/j.afos.2024.08.002

Abstract

Objectives
This study aimed to investigate the relationships of foot and leg symptoms, structure, and function with functional limitations and osteoarthritis (OA).
Methods
We included 1253 participants (mean age 58.1 years) from the Hong Kong Osteoporosis Study who completed an examination on foot posture, function, pain, and presence of deformities such as hallux valgus and varus knee. Using logistic regression, we estimated cross-sectional associations of each foot and knee problem with functional outcomes (slow walking speed, self-reported falls, and functional limitations) and OA. Through linkage to electronic health records, we further examined their associations with incident OA over 8 years using Cox models. All models were adjusted for age, sex, and body mass index.
Results
The prevalence of hallux valgus, foot pain, and varus knee were 33.1%, 35.1%, and 25.8%, respectively. Planus foot posture was associated with varus knee, and pronated foot function was associated with hallux valgus. Of the assessed foot problems, only foot pain showed significant associations with functional outcomes, including functional limitations and recurrent falls. Foot pain was also associated with prevalent OA at baseline but not incident OA. Meanwhile, we observed a 3-times increased risk of incident OA associated with varus knee (95% CI = 1.48–6.10), and this association was particularly seen in older adults, women, and obese individuals.
Conclusions
In community-dwelling Chinese adults, foot pain, but not the reported foot deformities, is associated with functional limitations and falls, while varus knee is associated with incident OA.

Keyword

Foot pain; Foot disorders; Knee alignment; Falls; Function; Osteoarthritis