Foot disease and physical function in older adults: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Abstract

Objectives To systematically assess the literature examining the association between foot disease (foot ulceration, infection, critical ischaemia and/or Charcot neuroarthropathy) and physical function in older adults. Methods Literature search of MEDLINE, Embase and CINAHL was performed. Studies were included if foot disease and physical function were assessed in participants of mean or median age ≥ 65 years. Results Of 2,574 abstracts screened, 19 studies (13 longitudinal, 6 cross‐sectional) reporting on 5634 participants, 43% female, were included. Diabetes‐related foot disease and critical ischaemia were most studied (n = 5017, 40% female). In 8 studies with control groups, foot disease was associated with poorer physical function. Meta‐analysis of 5 studies (n = 1503, 45% female) found an association between foot disease and poorer physical function (SMD (95% CI): 1.00 (0.40, 1.62), P < 0.001). Conclusion Foot disease is associated with poorer physical function in older adults. Future research should include broader study populations and intervention strategies.

Challenges faced by people with diabetes‑related foot ulcers in attending hospital‑based high risk foot services: results of a consumer survey

“…Loss of lower extremity function for people with DFU and the restriction to mobility as recommended treatment are known issues for those experiencing foot complications [20][21][22] . Almost half of the participants in our survey reported having physical limitation affecting attendance, and travelling by car was associated with less walking, particularly if someone else drove them to the appointment.…”

“…Given the high rate of co-morbidities, depressive symptoms and poor physical functioning in people with DFU [18][19][20][21] , the capacity of some patients to physically attend a hospital service may be a limiting factor and have a negative impact on the quality of life for some 22 . Patients' preferences regarding treatment frequency, the perceived benefits, impact of mobility and how they travel to appointments are potentially meaningful areas to investigate.…”

Foot Problems in Older Adults Presenting to a Falls and Balance Clinic

“…As such, individuals referred to a Falls and Balance clinic are likely to benefit from podiatry input. "Foot problems" is an umbrella term for musculoskeletal problems (hallux valgus, hammer/claw toes, foot and ankle weakness, reduced range of motion), peripheral neuropathy, peripheral arterial disease and dermatologic pathology of the foot (corns, calluses, ulcers, fungal infection) [4]. The association between age and foot problems is due to physiological changes that commonly occur over time.…”

Design of cellular materials for multiscale topology optimization: application to patient-specific orthopedic devices

“…In particular, we focus on the design of patient-specific insoles for the treatment of foot problems (Menz et al 2018). Indeed, among the different interventions and pain management actions, foot orthotics represent a very common conservative solution, for foot diseases such as musculoskeletal disorders, foot deformity and ulceration (Iseli et al 2021). The reduction of plantar pressure represents a reference target to improve patient's condition (Van Netten et al 2018), typically ensuring the attenuation of symptoms for different pathologies (Collings et al 2021).…”