Foot Deformities in Women Are Associated with Wearing High-Heeled Shoes.

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to assess the association between foot deformities and type of shoe regularly worn at work. MATERIAL AND METHODS We studied 150 employed women ages 30-40 years and divided them into 3 groups according to type of footwear worn: women in Group I wore flat-soled shoes, women in Group II wore mid-heeled shoes (heels 4.0±0.5 cm), and women in Group III wore high-heeled shoes (heels 10.0±0.5 cm). We used the CQ-ST podoscope for measurements. RESULTS We found significant differences in right foot γ angle between Groups I and III (p=0.033) and between Groups II and III (p=0.040). For the left foot, differences were noted between Groups I and III (p=0.012). Group III subjects had higher values of alpha angle compared to Group I (p=0.000) and Group II (p=0.000). Significant correlations were also found between specific type of footwear worn and the incidence of hallux valgus of the right foot (p=0.010) and left foot (p=0.000), and the varus deformity of the fifth toe (ß) of the left foot (p=0.015). CONCLUSIONS The feet of women wearing high-heeled shoes were significantly flatter transversely, with a more laterally flexed hallux, as compared to those wearing low-heeled or flat-soled shoes. Wearing high-heeled shoes was associated with higher incidence of hallux valgus. The incidence of varus deformity of the fifth toe was associated with wearing high-heeled shoes.