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/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 gamma 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 a 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 (beta) 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.