Background: Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic, inflammatory, and
autoimmune disease. This condition primarily affects the axial skeleton and
presents direct foot involvement, such as Achilles enthesitis or plantar fascia
involvement. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the impact of foot health on the
quality of life of individuals with AS compared to a control group without AS.
Materials and methods: A sample of 112 subjects was recruited, with a mean age
of 46.80 ± 10.49 years, divided into two groups: 56 individuals with AS (cases)
and 56 individuals without AS (controls). Demographic data were collected,
and the scores obtained in the Foot Health Status Questionnaire domains were
recorded.Results: Of the participants, 27.79% (N = 30) were men and 73.21% (N = 82) were
women. The mean age in the group was 46.80 ± 10.49. Significant differences
(p < 0.05) were found in the domains of foot function, foot pain, footwear,
overall foot health, general health-related physical activity, and social capacity
between the AS group and the control group. Conclusion: Individuals with AS exhibited a decreased quality of life, as indicated
by their Foot Health Status Questionnaire scores.
