title: Footwear characteristics and factors influencing footwear choice in patients with gout.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Gout is associated with foot pain, impairment, and disability. The aim of this study was to assess footwear characteristics and key factors influencing footwear choice in patients with gout. We also wanted to evaluate the relationship between footwear characteristics and foot disability.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fifty patients with a history of acute gout were recruited from rheumatology clinics during the summer months. Clinical characteristics, global function, and foot impairment and disability measures were recorded. Footwear characteristics and the factors associated with choice of footwear were identified using validated assessment tools. Suitability of footwear was assessed using predetermined criteria for assessing adequacy of footwear, based on a previous study of foot pain.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The patients had moderate to severe foot pain, impairment, and disability. Poor footwear characteristics included poor cushioning, lack of support, lack of stability, and motion control. More than 50% of shoes were ≥12 months old and demonstrated excessive wear patterns. Patients reported comfort (98%), fit (90%), support (90%), and cost (60%) as important factors in choosing their own footwear. No correlation was found between footwear characteristics (length and width) and foot characteristics (foot pain, impairment, and disability). Patients with poor footwear reported higher foot-related impairment and disability.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Use of poor footwear is common in patients with chronic gout and is associated with foot disability and impairment.
authors.affiliation: AUT University, Health & Rehabilitation Research Institute, Auckland, New Zealand. krome@aut.ac.nz
authors.forename: Keith
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Rome
authors.forename: Mike
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Frecklington
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Mcnair
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Gow
authors.forename: Nicola
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Dalbeth
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D002755:Choice Behavior; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D005528:Foot / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006073:Gout / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009520:New Zealand; D009989:Orthotic Devices / Q000191:economics; D010146:Pain / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D010147:Pain Measurement; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012775:Shoes / Q000191:economics; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires