Abstract: Hallux valgus (HV) is a progressive chronic foot disease that can result in
foot pain, limited motion, and changes in appearance, thus affecting patients' quality of
life (QoL). The aim of this article is to explored HV patients' QoL and related
factors.This cross-sectional study used purposive sampling. Data were collected from
March to June 2015 from outpatients diagnosed with HV by two orthopedists in
Taiwan. Materials included a self-designed hallux valgus quality of life (HV-QoL)
questionnaire and HV angle data. SPSS 19.0 was used for statistical analysis. The total
study sample was 95 patients. Results indicated that the effect factor of HV patients'
QoL was the number of foot pain parts, using analgesic drug, postoperative time, and
incline to have surgery. Patients who had surgery due to limited motion had the lowest
QoL and the most common reason for surgery was foot pain, meaning that limited
motion and foot pain had the greatest impact on patients' lives. Surgery was found to
be an effective treatment to improve patients’ satisfied to their foot appearance. HV
patients experienced the effects of the condition in terms of their activity, pain, and
appearance. The impact on patients was determined by foot pain area, medication,
treatment method, and the duration of post-operative time. Medical staff should be
aware of where the patient's quality of life is affected and provide appropriate
assistance.
