The Prevalence and Factors Associated with Low Back Pain Among People with Flat Feet

Background: A positive relationship between flat feet and low back pain (LBP) has not gained consensus in literature. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and factors associated with low back pain (acute and chronic) among individuals with flat feet.

Methods: In 2018, a cross-sectional study was conducted at a national festival in Saudi Arabia, and 1798 adult visitors were invited to participate in face-to-face interviews. Participants' characteristics were stratified by the type of foot and they were questioned on acute low back pain (ALBP) or chronic low back pain (CLBP). The odds ratio (OR) were presented as a measure of this association, followed by a multivariate analysis.

Results: The prevalence of LBP among participants with flat feet was 65.9%, among whom 51.6% suffered ALBP and 48.4% suffered from CLBP. Flat feet increased the chances of having ALBP by 3.28 times and CLBP by 4.5 times. After stratification, ALBP and CLBP were both significantly higher among all participants with flat feet in comparison with their counter groups. Multivariate analyses showed that females were more likely to complain of ALBP. Participants who did no physical activity were more likely to complain of ALBP. Female participants and older participants were more likely to complain of ALBP and CLBP.

Conclusion: Flat feet are associated with both ALBP and CLBP. Significant factors of low back pain also included sex, age, occupation, and physical activity.