Hallux Valgus – Prevent deformation of the toes

Hallux valgus is one of the most common painful deformities of the foot skeleton. It is especially women who are affected by this striking deformity of the big toe.

As the condition progresses, a widening of the forefoot occurs, making it much more difficult to buy shoes. However, it is specifically the pain that occurs due to the inflamed bursa that, in addition to the skin keratinization, turns the deformity into a serious problem.

Hallux Valgus – Brief overview

Hallux valgus is a name for the big toe (hallux) that has changed its shape (valgus position). The deformation of the forefoot is very common and affects about ten million people in this country.

Of this most women over fifty years of age. The most noticeable symptom of the disease is that the big toe at the base joint of the foot bends outwards. There shows reddened, thickened skin that can cause severe pain.

The deformation is not caused by a bone accumulation. The bunion on the big toe is formed by a protruding metatarsal head. This causes friction in tight shoes, sometimes severe pain.

However, it is not solely a cosmetic problem. Permanent friction at a certain spot can also cause skin irritation and painful calluses, as well as swelling and eventually even inflammation.

Causes include shoes that are too high and/or too tight, genetic predisposition such as weak connective tissue, a splay foot or other deformities that have already existed for some time.

As treatment, for example, conservative therapies such as a splint or bandage and special gymnastics can be used. In severe cases, surgery to correct the deformity is also a possibility. These are made either by an orthopedist or a foot surgeon.

Conservative measures serve to prevent the worsening of the deformity. However, these therapies cannot eliminate Hallux Valgus. This can only be achieved by surgery (high success rate).

Causes and risk of deformities of the feet

There are many different factors that promote the deformation. These include mainly:

High heels and/or very tight shoes. In these types of shoes the toes are massively compressed. In addition, too high heels put an extreme amount of pressure on the area of the metatarsophalangeal joints of the toes.

Hallux valgus – what therapies are available??

Primarily, it is important that the incorrect strain is eliminated by appropriate treatment. Supporting and relieving insoles are very often used for this purpose.

Well-fitting shoes with plenty of space for the toes are essential in the therapy. The specialized trade also offers special stockings, which give the big toe much more free space.

On the market, however, you can also get special orthopedic sandals that have a corrective effect on the deformity.

With a so-called night splint a kind of lever mechanism is created, which helps to correct the malposition in the toe-base joint.

If the pain caused by hallux valgus cannot be alleviated, however, those affected should consider an operation.

Prevent malpositions

To prevent deformities, experts and doctors advise to wear shoes with a low heel. Since particularly with women the mode trends are often in the foreground, wrong footwear is put on again and again.

However, since people’s feet are unique, conventional shoes usually do not meet individual requirements. This is especially true if the shape of the foot already shows abnormalities or even a hallux valgus is complained about.

This applies in particular to shoes that completely constrict the toe area and thus immobilize the muscles, so to speak, instead of activating them while walking. Best example are fashionable pumps.

So that you activate your foot muscles sufficiently, the shoes should be changed several times a day. Your shoes should also be appropriate and not constricting.

Barefoot walking is also an excellent way to activate the foot muscles and promote blood circulation. Massages and foot gymnastics as well as exercise in general are a blessing for your feet.