Environmental Factors as a Cause of Differences in the Feet of Ecuadorian Children and Its Relation to Their Footwear

The objective of this study was to analyze the differences in foot measurements of Ecuadorian children according to their geographical location of residence, taking into account climatic differences (1). A total of 1662 children (2) participated in the study. Three groups were established: coast, mountains and amazonia. The type of footwear (3) used was recorded and the lengths, widths, perimeters, heights and angles of both (4) feet were analyzed with a 3D foot digitizer (5). The variable ‘fitting of the foot to footwear’ was also obtained. Children living in coastal areas presented greater lengths, widths, perimeters and heights compared to those living in the mountain (p > 0.001) and amazonia (p < 0.001) between ages 5 to 13. Mountain residents showed a greater first toe angle than coast residents (p > 0.001) aged 8 to 17. Children used shoes smaller than required by their foot length (p < 0.01). Ecuadorian children from the coast presented longer and wider feet with higher foot arches, whilst those from mountains presented greater first toe angle. The studied sample used footwear up to one size smaller than the size corresponding to their foot length. The fitting and type of footwear used according to climatic differences could be interfering with normal foot development.

DYNAMICS OF CHANGES IN SELECTED PARAMETERS OF FOOT ARCHING IN CHILDREN BETWEEN 5 AND 9 YEARS OLD

The foot is an important element of the locomotor apparatus and performs a number of functions in our body. Abnormalities in its shape can affect everyday functioning. Therefore, it is worth paying attention to the proper development of the feet in children. The aim of the study was to assess the dynamics of changes in selected parameters of foot development in younger children of school age. The study involved 70 children. The observations were conducted twice in the same children, aged 5 and 9 years. Their feet were examined using a podoscope. Clarke's method was used to assess the longitudinal arch of the feet, and the Wejsflog length-width index for assessing the transverse arch. In addition, parameters such as the length and width of the foot, the position of the big toe, the little toe and the back of the heel were analysed. Longer and wider feet were characteristic of boys. As the children became older, the longitudinal arch of the feet fell, while only girls showed a slight improvement in the lateral arch of the foot. There was a high rate of flat feet. The children examined, who were aged 5 and 9 years, had a correctly positioned toe and heel, while there was varus of the little toe. The length-width dimensions of the feet changed significantly over time. Girls and boys differed significantly in the values of the Clarke's angle defining the longitudinal arch of the feet, while no significant differences in the lateral arch of the feet were noted. With age, there was no change in the position of the toe, toe and heel.

Prevalence of risk factors for diabetic foot development / Prevalência de fatores de risco para o desenvolvimento de pé diabético

Objetivo: Identificar a prevalência de fatores de risco para o desenvolvimento de pé diabético. Métodos: Estudo descritivo, com abordagem quantitativa, realizado junto a 71 indivíduos com diabetes mellitus tipo 2 cadastrados em uma Unidade de Saúde da região noroeste do Paraná. Os dados foram coletados por meio de entrevista e exame clínico dos pés e analisados por meio de estatística descritiva. Resultados: Os fatores de risco mais prevalentes para o desenvolvimento de pé diabético foram: pele ressecada (78,9%), a utilização de calçados inadequados diariamente (70,4%), rachadura nos pés (60,6%) e presença de calosidade (56,3%). A prevalência do pé de risco para ulceração foi de 35,2%, predominando alterações grau 2 (33,8%). Conclusão: O exame clinico dos pés deve fazer parte da consulta de enfermagem ao indivíduo com diabetes, para que seja possível a identificação precoce de fatores de risco e posterior planejamento de ações de cuidado.

Footwear suitability in Turkish preschool-aged children

Background: Unsuitable footwear worn in childhood may cause some foot problems by interfering normal development of foot. Objectives: To compare footwear suitability rate of indoor and outdoor footwear at all points in preschool children and investigate factors which could affect footwear suitability. Study design: A cross-sectional survey study. Methods: A total of 1000 healthy preschool children (4–6 years old) participated in this study. Indoor and outdoor footwear of children were evaluated through Turkish version of Footwear Assessment Score. Effect of factors like age, sex, number of siblings, educational and occupational situation of parents, and behavior of school management about selecting footwear was investigated. Results: Children got better footwear score for outdoor than indoor ones (p < 0.001). Boys got statistically better footwear score for both indoor and outdoor ones than girls (p < 0.001). Also significant difference in footwear score was found in favor of children who were going to schools that gave guidance about selecting footwear for both indoor and outdoor in comparison to children going to other schools (p < 0.001). Conclusions: For healthy foot development, parents need an education about suitable footwear for their children. Performing education programs and investigation of their effect with comprehensive follow-up studies in future is essential. Clinical relevance This study reflects footwear habits of Turkish preschool children and factors affecting this issue. Results may give way to education programs about suitable footwear worn in childhood for healthy foot development.