The Effect of Hallux Valgus on Foot Angle during Gait

The Hallux Valgus and the first Metatarsalo Phalangeal joint have a major role during walking. So any condition that would impair the performance of the hallux, can influence the pattern of walking and consequently cause in reduction of efficiency in gait. One of the prevalent phenomenon of foot deformity, especially in females is Hallux valgus (HV) which is usually happened by various reasons such as improper wearing high heel shoes. The aim of this study was to investigate foot angle in one cycle from heel contact of left foot to another heel contact of same foot during gait by comparing people with HV (n=7) and a control group (n=3). Result shows that the greater foot angle in HV group comparing with control group at mid-stance and terminal stance may be related to avoiding HV group from decreasing in foot angle to diminish both the hallux contact duration time and force magnitude which is acted on hallux in order to relieve pain. There is no significant difference between groups at early stance and terminal swing. Knowing the foot angle in people with HV during walking can have a wide range of applications including shoe designs and orthotic device research and help surgeons to do the best in surgical decisionmaking.