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BackgroundFunctional Hallux Limitus (FHL) is a dynamic foot dysfunction characterized by a limitation of hallux dorsiflexion when the first metatarsal head is under load. FHL plays a role in the development of osteoarthrosis in the first metatarsophalangeal joint (IMTPJ). Forefoot disorders can significantly impact an individual's quality of life, leading to dysfunction and pain. The aim of this project was to evaluate the quality of life of school-aged individuals with and without FHL using the Foot Health Status Questionnaire (FHSQ).MethodsA case-control study was conducted to evaluate the outcomes in paediatric age. A total sample of 116 children between 6 and 12 years old was used to conduct this research. The sample was divided into two groups: (i) the healthy group (n = 58) and the FHL group (n = 58). The FHSQ was completed and the FHL test was performed in a seated position to classify the patients into the selected group.ResultsNon-significant changes were observed when the mean values of the FHSQ domains were compared between the groups with and without FHL, except for the “general foot health” domain (p = 0,024) associated with the specific foot health section (section 1) of the Questionnaire. For the domains linked with the general well-being section (section 2), there was not a statistically difference in the mean of the scores obtained between the two school-aged groups with and without FHL, being slightly lower in the group with the presence of FHL for the overall health and physical function domains. Both the healthy and case groups obtained and identical range of scores (10–100) for the “foot pain” domain. Nevertheless, the mean of the score was lower for the participants with FHL.ConclusionsThe perception of the quality of general foot health was poorer in the school-aged group with FHL. Variables such as foot pain and footwear are likely contributors influencing the perception of foot health quality. The school-aged population with FHL faces a decline in the quality of foot life. Ensuring adequate foot control in children and implementing future foot programs for this population are imperative for enhancing school children's perception of foot health and managing the development of pain and footwear-related issues.

Background: Hallux limitus is a common foot disorder whose incidence has increased in the school-age population. Hallux limitus is characterized by musculoskeletal alteration that involves the metatarsophalangeal joint causing structural disorders in different anatomical areas of the locomotor system, affecting gait patterns. The aim of this study was to analyze dynamic plantar pressures in a school-aged population both with functional hallux and without. Methods: A full sample of 100 subjects (50 male and 50 female) 7 to 12 years old was included. The subjects were identified in two groups: the case group (50 subjects characterized as having hallux limitus, 22 male and 28 female) and control group (50 subjects characterized as not having hallux limitus, 28 male and 22 female). Measurements were obtained while subjects walked barefoot in a relaxed manner along a baropodometric platform. The hallux limitus test was realized in a seated position to sort subjects out into an established study group. The variables checked in the research were the surface area supported by each lower limb, the maximum peak pressure of each lower limb, the maximum mean pressure of each lower limb, the body weight on the hallux of each foot, the body weight on the first metatarsal head of each foot, the body weight at the second metatarsal head of each foot, the body weight at the third and fourth metatarsal head of each foot, the body weight at the head of the fifth metatarsal of each foot, the body weight at the midfoot of each foot, and the body weight at the heel of each foot. Results: Non-significant results were obtained in the variable of pressure peaks between both study groups; the highest pressures were found in the hallux with a p-value of 0.127 and in the first metatarsal head with a p-value 0.354 in subjects with hallux limitus. A non-significant result with a p-value of 0.156 was obtained at the second metatarsal head in healthy subjects. However, significant results were observed for third and fourth metatarsal head pressure in healthy subjects with a p-value of 0.031 and regarding rearfoot pressure in subjects with functional hallux limitus with a p-value of 0.023. Conclusions: School-age subjects with hallux limitus during gait exhibit more average peak plantar pressure in the heel and less peak average plantar pressure in the third and fourth metatarsal head as compared to healthy children aged between 7 and 12 years old.

Background: The presence of hallux limitus in adulthood is frequently encountered in clinical practice, generating other biomechanical, structural, and functional compensations in dynamics secondary to blockage of the main pivot in the sagittal plane, the first metatarsophalangeal joint. In addition, the presence of functional hallux limitus (FHL) in school-age children is also increasing. Currently, there is a lack of scientific literature about this condition in the pediatric population, and early diagnosis is necessary to reduce future biomechanical disorders and avoid the development of foot arthritis. The purpose of this research was to identify static plantar pressures in school-age children with and without hallux limitus. Methods: A total sample of 106 children aged between six and twelve years old was divided into two groups: the case group (53 subjects with functional hallux limitus) and the control group (53 subjects without functional hallux limitus). Data were acquired with the participants in a standing barefoot position on the pressure platform, and the hallux limitus functional test was performed in a sitting position to classify the individuals into the determined study group. The variables analyzed in the research were: plantar pressure, bilateral forefoot and rearfoot surface area, bilateral forefoot and rearfoot ground reaction forces, bilateral forefoot and rearfoot distribution of body weight, total left and right surface area, maximum pressure of the left foot and right foot, medium pressure of the left foot and right foot, ground reaction forces of the left foot and right foot, and the weight of each foot. Results: Age was the only descriptive quantitative variable that showed a significant difference between the two study groups, with a p-value of 0.031. No statistically significant differences were found between groups in the bilateral forefoot and rearfoot surface area, ground reaction forces, distribution of body weight, or maximum and medium plantar pressure in the left and right foot. Conclusions: Changes in the location of the maximum pressure were observed, particularly in older participants with FHL, but these results were not significant. The findings of this study did not show significant differences between the static plantar pressures of school-age individuals with and without functional hallux limitus.