Work

Decreased foot-related quality of life is a risk factor for falls in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to assess the need to treat forefoot lesions in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients who are unaware of their foot problems. METHODS: From April to September 2022, 116 RA patients at Yamaguchi Red Cross hospitalwere administered the Self-Administered Foot Evaluation Questionnaire (SAFE-Q), a self-assessment questionnaire on foot-related issues, and underwent forefoot radiography. We also assessed the occurrence of falls 1 year later. Among the 88 patients who were unaware of foot problems, we analysed the frequency and type of forefoot deformities and conducted a multivariate analysis to identify factors predicting falls during the 12-month follow-up. RESULTS: Of the unaware patients, 64 (72.7%) had forefoot deformities and 17 (19.3%) experienced falls within the first year. The fall group had a history of falls and lower SAFE-Q scores but did not significantly differ from others in terms of forefoot deformities. Multivariate analysis identified a history of falls and lower SAFE-Q scores as predictive factors for future falls. CONCLUSIONS: Decreased foot-related quality of life is a risk factor for falls, even in patients who are unaware of their foot problems. Physicians should regularly assess foot-related quality of life using tools such as SAFE-Q to help prevent falls in RA patients.

Source: Modern Rheumatology

DOI: 10.1093/mr/roae108

Authors: Akihisa Haraguchi, Kenta Kamo

Institutions: National Kyushu Medical Center, Yamaguchi Red Cross Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Balance, Gait, and Falls Prevention

Subfield: Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,208