Impact of first metatarsophalangeal joint osteoarthritis on health‐related quality of life

Objective To determine whether there are differences in the foot‐specific and general health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) of people with and without first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint osteoarthritis (OA). Methods The foot‐specific and general HRQOL of 43 participants (mean ± SD age 50.0 ± 10.8 years) with symptomatic radiographically confirmed first MTP joint OA (case group) was compared to an age‐, sex‐, and body mass index–matched control group. Foot‐specific HRQOL was assessed using the Foot Health Status Questionnaire (FHSQ) and general HRQOL was assessed using the Short Form 36 (SF‐36) questionnaire. Both questionnaires are validated instruments with 0–100‐point domains. Results All domains of the FHSQ were significantly lower in the case group (mean ± SD foot pain 55.5 ± 22.3 versus 93.0 ± 7.8, foot function 73.8 ± 20.9 versus 96.9 ± 11.5, footwear 39.1 ± 28.7 versus 76.6 ± 27.0, and general foot health 50.2 ± 27.0 versus 89.7 ± 16.0). Further, the SF‐36 physical functioning domain was significantly lower (mean ± SD 82.8 ± 14.7 versus 95.2 ± 6.3) in the case group. Conclusion People with first MTP joint OA experience more foot pain, have greater difficulty performing functional weight‐bearing activities, find it more difficult to obtain suitable footwear, and perceive their feet to be in a poorer state of health. Additionally, people with symptomatic first MTP joint OA have greater difficulty performing a broad range of physical tasks and activities.