Hallux Valgus is one of the most common diseases encountered in foot-related disorders. It is a deformity that occurs when the big toe deviates in a different direction from the normal direction. Depending on this disorder, the remaining fingers of the foot are also affected. This disease, which was first discovered in the 1800s, is mostly inherited. In addition, narrow and high-heeled shoes also trigger this disease.
Hallux valgus is one of the most common foot disorders and is the name given to the deformity of the big toe. Carl Hueter first mentioned this disease in the 1800s. Hallux valgus is the deformity and posture disorder that occurs when the big toe deviates from the direction it should be. This disorder affects the entire remaining structure of the foot. If the disease continues and progresses, it causes a lot of pain in the foot and fingers and causes inflammation as the joint is deformed. This inflammation swells the foot and increases the pain. If the inflammation is not treated, the disease progresses worse.
What are the Symptoms of Hallux Valgus?
- Protrusion and curvature of the big toe
- Pain when moving the finger and when walking
- Swelling and redness in the part of the foot called bunion
- Discomfort in the big toe due to wearing shoes with pointed toes or shoes that do not fit the shape of the foot
- Inflammation in the area called bunion
- Increased numbness and tingling sensation and burning sensation in the foot
- Difficulty walking due to deformation in the bunion area
- Numbness in the big toe and bunion area
What Causes Hallux Valgus?
Both patients and physicians often think that Hallux Valgus is caused by wearing high-heeled and too narrow shoes. However, explaining the disease only for this reason is incomplete. This deformity can be observed even in people who never wear shoes. Some forms of the disease are caused by an imbalance between the muscles of the big toe. This is more common in the spastic type of cerebral palsy. It can be seen in people with congenital or acquired flatfoot.
This disease, which is usually spread genetically, can also occur due to reasons such as compression disorders such as inward pressure in the foot. Standing for more than normal time also exacerbates the disease.
What are the Treatment Methods for Hallux Valgus?
Almost all patients have the expectation that their fingers can be corrected with a non-surgical method. In a patient with severe angulation, it is not possible to increase the comfort in shoes with a treatment method other than surgery. For people without severe angulation, specially made shoes with wide toes or flexible shoes that can expand the forefoot can be preferred. If the person can walk comfortably in this way, the first method to be tried is non-surgical methods. Three types of orthoses are sold as medical products: night splints, toe rollers and bunion pads. Unfortunately, all these orthoses do not permanently correct the existing curve.
If patients with Hallux Valgus cannot wear shoes, calluses have formed, and the curve meets surgical criteria, permanent correction can only be achieved through surgery. Surgical treatments are performed by cutting the metacarpal bones in a way to correct the curvature and allowing them to fuse again with plates or screws.
At the same time, some exercises also affect the treatment of Hallux Valgus in a good way.
Who Has Hallux Valgus More Often?
Hallux Valgus is more common in women than in men. The reason for this is that pointed and very high heels and cowboy model boots are frequently used. However, the looseness in the structure of the foot ligaments is also one of the reasons why Hallux Valgus is more common in women.
Since it is generally an inherited disease, it is more common in people whose family members have this disease.
Disorders Associated with Hallux Valgus
As Hallux Valgus disease progresses, different problems are observed in all fingers of the foot.
Morton's Neuroma
It is a nerve entrapment syndrome, i.e. nerve entrapment in the nerves passing through the middle of the third and fourth toes, mostly in the foot.
Finger Deformities
It is a discomfort that occurs when the toes take the shape of claws, which is usually caused by high-heeled narrow shoes, but also by diabetes and excessive alcohol use.
Bunionette
It is the name given to the protrusion of the pinky toe, the smallest toe of the foot.
How is Hallux Valgus Diagnosed?
The person who applies to the doctor is first physically examined. Then, when the foot is stepping on a place and when it is not, it is observed in fine detail. Then, the diagnosis of Hallux Valgus can be made on the principle of X-ray.
Is Physical Examination Sufficient in the Diagnosis of Hallux Valgus?
Physical treatment covers a high proportion of the entire treatment, but in addition to physical treatment, a detailed examination of the foot is also performed radiologically.
Who Should Have Hallux Valgus Surgery?
Hallux Valgus surgery is only performed on people who have a low pain threshold and suffer a lot of pain. In addition, if the pain does not go away despite trying all non-surgical methods, surgical treatment is considered for patients who develop calluses or gait disturbance in the finger, and for patients who have to replace shoes frequently due to the curvature in the finger. In addition to all these, bone development must be completed in order to have Hallux Valgus surgery.