Hallux valgus (HV) deformities have been well defined in the adult population. HV appears to be more prevalent in elderly and female populations and it is postulated that women's shoe wear contributes to its progression.

This study was a pilot to quantify the prevalence of foot deformities and foot pain in an adolescent population.

Our cohort consisted of 202 school children aged 11–17 recruited from two schools in Edinburgh. Foot health data was recorded via the Manchester Scale (MHVS) and the Oxford Ankle and Foot Questionnaire (OAFQ). Photographic assessment of all participants allowed MHVS to be calculated by two orthopaedic surgeons. The photographic assessment was then repeated by the same surgeon 12 months later to allow inter and intra observer reliability to be calculated.

Results showed that the prevalence of HV in our cohort was 32.7% and there was a female preponderance 56% to 44%. Other foot measurements revealed 48.5% had HV-interphalangeus, 25.7% had a low medial longitudinal arch and 22.3% had a valgus hindfoot angle. Significantly more females (18%) than males (5%) wore shoes narrower than their feet (p=0.003). OAFQ scores revealed that foot pain was more common in those with HV deformities although not statistically significant (75% to 68%, p=0.243). The prevalence of foot pain was negatively correlated with age (r=−0.175, p=0.14).

This study suggests that there is a significant prevalence of HV and foot pain amongst female adolescents. This will need to be confirmed by a population study based on power calculation informed by this pilot.