THE RELATION OF HALLUX VALGUS SEVERITY WITH FOOT FUNCTION AND BALANCE IN OLDER MEN

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between hallux valgus and foot function and balance in older men. Methods: One hundred and six feet of 53 elderly men (mean age: 73.79 +/- 7.08 years) were evaluated in this research. Hallux valgus angle was measured using a goniometer. Foot function, dynamic balance and static balance were evaluated by the forefoot subscale of the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Scale, Timed Up & Go Test and single leg stance, respectively, and their relations with hallux valgus were analysed. Results: Hallux valgus angle values were 17.32 +/- 11.29 degree for right foot and 16.45 +/- 10.65 degrees for left foot. No significant relationship was found between hallux valgus angle (right and left) and static and dynamic balance (p>0.05). However, hallux valgus angles of right and left foot were correlated with the scale scores of American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society scale (r=-0. 34, p= 0.01; r=-0. 38, p=0.005, respectively). Discussion: According to these results, the severity of hallux valgus itself does not influence balance, although it partially affects the functional ability of the forefoot in older men.