title: Foot and ankle problems in Thai monks.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Foot and ankle problems in Thai monks have not been explored. This is an unshod population, and its members have a unique lifestyle living among others in our modern era. Beginning at their ordainment, they follow strict rules about barefoot walking, the amount of daily walking, and their sitting position, practices that theoretically can increase their risk of developing foot and ankle problems.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the prevalence ofcommon foot and ankle problems in Thai monks.
  
  
  METHODS
  A cross-sectional survey was conducted in combination with foot and ankle examinations of monks living in northern Thailand Foot morphology was examined using a Harris mat footprint. Results of the interviews and the foot and ankle examinations were evaluated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Two hundred and nine monks from 28 temples were included in this study. Common foot and ankle problems found included callosity (70.8%), toe deformities (18.2%), plantar fasciitis (13.4%), metatarsalgia (3.8%), and numbness (2.9%). Callosity and toe deformities were associated with prolonged barefoot walking over extended periods since ordainment (p < 0.05). The callosity was found on the forefoot (47.3%), lateral malleolus (40.7%), and heel (12%). Arch types were considered normal in 66.4% of cases, high in 21.6%, and low in 12%. No association was found between arch type and foot and ankle problems.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Callosity and toe deformity were the most common foot and ankle problems found in Thai monks, especially those with prolonged period of barefoot walking and long-term duration ofordainment. The unique pattern of walking and sitting of Thai monks may have contributed to the development of those feet and ankle problems.
authors.forename: Tanawat
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Vaseenon
authors.forename: Thongaek
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Wattanarojanaporn
authors.forename: Piyapong
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Intharasompan
authors.forename: Nipon
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Theeraamphon
authors.forename: Sansanee
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Auephanviriyakul
authors.forename: Phinit
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Phisitkul
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000842:Ankle; D002145:Callosities / Q000209:etiology*; D002648:Child; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005531:Foot Deformities, Acquired / Q000209:etiology*; D005534:Foot Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D018409:Foot Injuries / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D065830:Monks; D013785:Thailand; D055815:Young Adult