Comparison of Hallux Valgus and Quadriceps Angle in High Heel Wearers and Non-Heel Wearers

Abstract

Background: “Hallux Valgus is a structural deformity of first metatarsophalangeal joint, specifically lateral deviation of the great toe,” often caused by wearing ill-fitting or high-heeled shoes. Lower extremity deformities may be predisposed by the lower extremity's anatomical alignment, particularly the Q angle.

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the comparison of hallux valgus and quadriceps angle in heel wearers and non-heel wearers.

Methods: This was a comparative cross-sectional survey that was collected through non-probability convenient sampling. The participants were divided into two groups. One group included 50 females who wear high heels for approximately 3-6 months and 4-6 hours a day and the other group includes 50 females who do not wear high heels. The written informed consent was acquired. All of the participants were given a self-designed questionnaire, and measurements of their weight and height were taken. The Q angle and HV angle were measured with a universal goniometer. The data was analysed in SPSS for Windows software version 25. The normality of the data was assessed by Levene’s Test for equality of variances. Independent-T test was selected to apply for measuring difference of the two groups.

Results: An Independent sample test was used. Age of the participants was 18-25. Mean HV angle of non-high heel wearers was 12.11±1.855 and heel wearers was 22.30±5.932. There is significant difference between HV angle of non-high heel wearers. Mean Q angle of non-high heel wearers observed was 13.98±2.951 and high heel wearers observed was 14.38±2.633. There is no significant difference between Q angle of non-high heel wearers.

Conclusion: The current study's findings indicated a considerable variation in the HV angle between those who wear high heels and those who do not. But there is no remarkable difference between the Q angle of these two groups