Impact of fibromyalgia and related factors on foot function and quality of life: Cross-sectional study

Foot Ankle Surg. 2023 Dec;29(8):627-632. doi: 10.1016/j.fas.2023.07.014. Epub 2023 Aug 3.

Abstract

Background: The aim of study is to examine the factors that may influence pain, disability and the limitation of activity due to the presence of fibromyalgia in the foot.

Methods: 323 patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia were recruited. Each participant completed the Foot Function Index questionnaire (FFI) and the Revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQR). A multivariate analysis was performed to determine the factors associated with high scores in each of these questionnaires.

Results: In both questionnaires, the subscales presenting the highest scores were foot pain (FFI score: 71.18 ± 20.40) and symptom intensity (FIQR score: 36.23 ± 8.04). According to the multivariate analysis, foot function is influenced by age (p = <0.001), BMI (p = 0.001), lack of physical activity (p = <0.001), the presence of rheumatoid arthritis (p = 0.012), retirement due to disability (p = <0.001) and being unemployed (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: Fibromyalgia affects foot function, provoking significant pain. Related factors include age, BMI, lack of physical activity, the presence of rheumatoid arthritis, and employment status.

Keywords: Fibromyalgia; Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire; Foot; Foot Function Index; Prevalence; Quality of life.

MeSH terms

  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid*
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Fibromyalgia* / complications
  • Fibromyalgia* / diagnosis
  • Humans
  • Pain
  • Quality of Life
  • Surveys and Questionnaires