Unveiling hidden challenges: impaired foot posture due to skin involvement in systemic sclerosis

Systemic sclerosis [SSc] is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by fibrosis, vasculopathy, and immune dysregulation, primarily affecting the skin and various internal organs. Musculoskeletal manifestations, particularly foot involvement, are common but often underrecognized. Foot problems, including pain, Raynaud's phenomenon, digital ulcers, and deformities such as hallux valgus, are reported in SSc patients and can significantly impair mobility and quality of life. Skin thickening, especially around the ankles and toes, may disrupt foot alignment and posture, potentially leading to gait abnormalities. Current literature on the relationship between skin involvement, foot posture, and gait characteristics in SSc is limited, highlighting the need for comprehensive studies to explore these associations. The current hypothesis posits that skin involvement in SSc may significantly influence foot posture, leading to subsequent alterations in gait dynamics.