A common foot pathology, hallux valgus is a deviation of the phalanx of the first toe outwards. Causing a "bunion" at the metatarsal level, hallux valgus is painful: inflammatory symptoms, painful toes, poor ground support, osteoarthritis, etc. Fortunately, medical treatments exist to relieve hallux valgus pain. Wearing suitable shoes and orthopedic insoles is essential to relieve the pain. However, in the long term, surgical treatment is often unavoidable to relieve hallux valgus. ortho-confort takes stock.
HALLUX VALGUS: WHAT ARE WE TALKING ABOUT?Definition
Also called " onion ", a hallux valgus is a common foot pathology. Hallux valgus is characterized by a deviation of the big toe towards the inside of the foot. This deviation causes a deformation of the metatarsophalangeal joint, located at the base of the big toe. Although hallux valgus is a common condition, it is nonetheless painful.
Causes
THE causes of hallux valgus are not exactly known. The wearing high heels and tight shoes with pointed toes, however, seem to promote a deformation of the big toe. Aging or a genetic predisposition (flat feet, Egyptian foot) can also be the cause of hallux valgus.
Complications
Left untreated, hallux valgus can cause significant complications :
- Development of adjacent toes into a "claw" shape, particularly at the level of the second toe. In its most severe forms, hallux valgus also affects the third and fourth toes;
- Changes in ground support, with the appearance of pain, calluses and corns on the forefoot;
- Osteoarthritis;
- Difficulty putting on shoes (compression of the foot , irritating friction against the wall of the shoe, etc.)
Hallux valgus is characterized by a deformation of the foot usually visible to the naked eye. However, other symptoms are associated with hallux valgus:
- Development of pain in the toes;
- Inflammatory symptoms: skin redness, bursitis, etc.;
- Difficulty putting on shoes;
- Appearance of corns, calluses, osteoarthritis.
These symptoms hallux valgus are generally very painful. In order to regain walking comfort, it appears essential to relieve the pain and treat the problem as soon as possible. the onset of hallux valgus.
HOW TO RELIEVE BALL VALGUS PAIN?Wearing suitable hallux valgus shoes and orthopedic insoles are among the most effective medical treatments to relieve hallux valgus pain. For severe forms, surgical treatment is inevitable.
Choosing the right shoes to relieve hallux valgus pain
If you suffer from hallux valgus, pay particular attention to your choice of shoes. Opt for hallux valgus shoes with a large volume at the forefoot level so as not to compress your hallux valgus. This space limits the risk of skin inflammation by reducing friction of the foot against the wall of the shoe. Also pay attention to the manufacturing materials. Choose full-grain leather or stretch fabric to allow the shoe to fit the shape of your foot. A flexible part at the hallux valgus level will allow you to benefit from optimal comfort.
In addition to orthopedic shoes, wearing soles custom-made is recommended to relieve pain. These medical devices support the arch of the foot and relieve the pressure points towards the big toe. The bunion is then subjected to less pressure.
Finally, to calm the pain, it is possible to use inside your shoes:
- Silicone gel protectors;
- Hallux valgus socks;
- A toe orthosis.
Other remedies to relieve hallux valgus before considering surgery
In addition to suitable footwear and in order to soothe the pain of a hallux valgus , others hallux valgus treatments exist:
- Nighttime immobilization of the big toe using a splint in case of inflammation;
- Prescription of painkillers or anti-inflammatories;
- Local application of anti-inflammatory gel and cold pack;
- Physiotherapy exercises to limit the worsening of the deformity.
Surgical treatment of hallux valgus
The conservative therapies mentioned above can slow the progression of hallux valgus. However, in the more or less long term, a surgery is often unavoidable to relieve hallux valgus pain.
Hallux valgus surgery is performed on an outpatient basis, under local-regional anesthesia and lasts on average half an hour. It is performed by an orthopedic surgeon. In order to correct the deformity of the foot, the surgeon performs an osteotomy. This surgical procedure consists of cutting the first metatarsal and the metatarsophalangeal joint to correct the bony axis. The new alignment is consolidated using screws or a solid dressing.
Hallux valgus surgery can be performed in the classic way ("open") or, more recently, using the minimally invasive surgery . This technique allows bones to be realigned via two or three small incisions on the foot, thus reducing post-operative care and scarring.
