Arthritis Care & Research — Arnold JB, Halstead J, Grainger AJ, et al. | April 20, 2020
Researchers performed this cross‐sectional study including people with symptomatic midfoot osteoarthritis (OA) and asymptomatic controls selected from general practices and community health clinics, to compare foot and leg muscle strength between these groups. Measurements were obtained for the maximal isometric muscle strength of the ankle plantarflexors, dorsiflexors, invertors and evertors, and the hallux and lesser digit plantarflexors, via hand‐held dynamometry. Using the Manchester Foot Pain and Disability Index, self report of foot pain and foot‐related disability was evaluated. Findings revealed weakness in the foot and leg muscles of individuals with symptomatic midfoot OA vs asymptomatic controls. A negative and independent link of ankle invertor muscle strength with foot pain was seen in those with midfoot OA. A negative link of invertor muscle strength with foot‐related disability was revealed, although this link did not persist following adjustment for depressive symptoms. Pain reduction as well as function improvement in individuals with midfoot OA may potentially be achieved by strengthening of the foot and leg muscle muscles, as suggested by preliminary indications from this study.
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