Worn down lateral side of shoes in an obese patient may indicate what type of foot function?

The indication of a worn-down lateral side of shoes for an obese patient suggests a specific pattern of foot function. A rear foot varus condition typically involves an inward tilt of the heel relative to the lower leg, causing the foot to roll outward during weight-bearing activities. This mechanical alignment leads to greater wear on the lateral (outer) border of the shoe, as the lateral side of the foot bears more weight and experiences increased pressure during movement.

In the case of obese patients, the excess body weight can exacerbate this condition by putting additional stress on the foot's mechanics and the footwear. As the lateral aspect of the shoe wears down, it becomes indicative of how the foot is functioning in relation to the rest of the body and contributes to understanding the patient’s gait and overall biomechanics.

Other conditions, such as forefoot valgus or forefoot varus, typically show different wear patterns on footwear due to their specific alignment issues. Similarly, a rear foot valgus would result in wear on the inner side of the shoe, as the foot would roll inward rather than outward. Thus, the wear pattern on the shoes helps in identifying the underlying foot function and formulating appropriate treatment plans.