The aim of this descriptive study was to determine whether people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) wear adequately fitting footwear.
This observational study was carried out in a health center between January and December 2014 in the state of A Coruña, Spain.
A total of 166 patients (47 men, 119 women) completed all stages of the research process. A validated Brannock Device was used to record foot and shoe length and width.
Only 64 (38.55%) participants wore shoes that met the needs and requirements of their feet, and 98 (59.03%) participants wore the incorrect shoe size, at least in one foot.
Early detection of inappropriate shoe size in patients with RA allows rehabilitation nurses to optimize foot health.
Many patients with RA often wear shoes that are too narrow for their foot. Assessing the proper footwear fit is an important part of the clinical foot examination.