Abstract
BACKGROUND: Given that previous studies on hallux valgus (HV) have predominantly concentrated on elderly and flatfoot populations with multifactorial etiologies, while studies addressing young populations with relatively simple causes of HV remain limited. As a result, considerable uncertainty and potential bias may exist when inferring the congenital foot characteristics of HV patients from existing literature. PURPOSE: This study aimed to explore the characteristics of plantar load distribution, center of pressure (COP), foot postures, and correlations between these parameters in Taiwanese female collegiate students with HV. METHODS: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted involving 40 healthy and 32 HV-affected participants. Indicative parameters including arch index, plantar load distribution, COP and hallux angle were measured using the JC Mat optical plantar pressure analyzer. Rearfoot angular characteristics and correlation with hallux angle were also assessed through rearfoot postural alignment. RESULTS: Participants in the HV group had normal arches, with plantar loads predominantly concentrated on the medial aspects of the metatarsals and heels of both feet. The COP distribution was symmetrical and balanced across both feet, while the rearfoot posture exhibited a valgus alignment positively correlated with ipsilateral HV angles (β = 0.503, p < 0.01 for the left foot; β = 0.639, p < 0.01 for the right foot). CONCLUSION: Taiwanese female collegiate students with HV exhibited normal arches, with plantar loads predominantly concentrated on the medial aspects of both feet. Their rearfoot valgus angles were positively correlated with the ipsilateral HV angles. The findings may serve as an intuitive and predictable diagnostic reference for assessing potential rearfoot eversion changes related to a pronounced HV appearance. Additionally, the results offer new insights into the widely held belief that flatfoot predispose individuals to HV, as normal arches were also observed in the young population studied. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.