Hallux valgus can be caused by: + genetic weakness of a joint or connective tissue. + Joint problems such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis + Shoes that are too tight or ill-fitting + Shoes with too high heels + Being overweight or standing for long periods + Accident In countries where people often go barefoot or wear comfortable open-toed shoes or sandals, hallux valgus is rarely seen. In Japan and China, however, where it is considered fashionable to wear small, narrow shoes, Hallux valgus is common.
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Hallux valgus symptoms and relief with a Hallux shoe
Are you wondering what the typical symptoms of Hallux discomfort are and how a Hallux shoe can alleviate the discomfort?
Hallux valgus (HV) is the medical name for a bunion or bump that can form on the side of the foot near the big toe or at the ball of the foot. This condition does not develop spontaneously. Rather, it develops slowly over time. Later, the bones of the foot realign and a change in the underlying formation of the foot becomes apparent. Essentially, hallux valgus is a deformity of the foot.
What types of symptoms occur besides the physically altered appearance of the foot? The most common are persistent or intermittentpain, inflammation and redness of the skin in the affected area. Calluses and corns often form there. The movement possibilities of the big toe are restricted.
This is exacerbated when wearing ill-fitting footwear. In some cases, numbness, burning or tingling may also occur around the HV area. As the deformity of the foot worsens, walking may become difficult. If the shape of the foot changes, the weight distribution also changes. This can also take a lot of getting used to. In many cases, a Hallux valgus shoe is the solution.
Can a Hallux valgus shoe help relieve the pain?
Hallux valgus is a condition that is often overlooked but can really affect everyday life. Fortunately, there are shoes designed to help sufferers manage the pain and discomfort of this condition.
Using unsuitable shoes for hallux valgus increases the risk of misalignment of the big toe and leads to pain and irritability. Special Hallux valgus shoes provide enough space to avoid pressure in the area of the big toes or the ball of the foot.
The Hallux valgus shoe
Buying new shoes can be a fun or exciting experience. Unfortunately, the joy fades when you have HV, as this often leads to swelling, joint pain and hallux valgus inflammation. With a Hallux valgus shoe, you can control these problems. A Hallux valgus shoe is specially designed for people with these conditions and provides relief and balance.
The therapeutic shoes or sandals provide a permanent correction of the malposition of the big toes. A Hallux valgus shoe offers the following advantages:
+ The entire wearing time is also therapy time
+ Sustainable correction of the malpositions
+ Adjustable toe strap by turning knob (world first from Hallufix)
+ New models are available immediately
+ New models are constantly being added
+ Attractive accessories such as colourful bezels for the rotary knob
+ Medical insoles can be integrated without any problems
Hallux valgus treatment
The initial treatment of HV is based on pain reduction and correction of biomechanical problems of the foot. Later or in more severe cases, surgery is required. Non-surgical treatments include:
+ Change of footwear - Use a wide shoe. Shoes with pointed toes or high heels can tend to aggravate the condition.
+ Padding - Placed in the area of the HV, can relieve the pain
+ Change in physical activities - Prolonged standing should be avoided.
+ Cooling - An ice pack reduces pain and inflammation
+ Special Hallux valgus Shoe
+ Injection - Injections of corticosteroids can be useful in treating inflamed bursa (fluid-filled sac around a joint).
If non-surgical treatments and a Hallux valgus shoe do not relieve the pain and if the foot pain interferes with daily activities, surgery may be required. Surgical treatment includes:
+ Removal of the excess bone mass
+ Correction of the bone structure
+ Correction of soft tissue changes and deformations
Hallux valgus surgery
To bring the joint into a better position, surgery may be necessary in severe cases. However, this is the last resort when conservative treatment and a hallux valgus shoe have failed or walking is only painful.
The operation is usually performed on an outpatient basis but under general anaesthesia so that the patient does not have to stay in hospital overnight.
During surgery, the surgeon makes an incision on the inside of the big toe joint (metatarsophalangeal joint) to remove the excess bone while repositioning ligaments and tendons. The joint may be fixed with screws or wires, which may dissolve or be removed at a later date, or in some cases remain permanently in the foot.
After the operation, the foot is immobilised, i.e. surrounded by a plaster cast for four to eight weeks to realign the bones of the foot. Crutches are usually needed to help the patient get around. After this time, the foot is examined to check that the bones have healed properly. Full weight bearing and a special Hallux valgus shoe can then be gradually introduced.
The type of surgery depends on your physical health, the extent of the foot deformity, your age and your activity level. The recovery time depends on what procedures are performed during the surgery.
Hallux valgus Splint
In addition to the hallux valgus shoe, a Hallux valgus Splint is applied for anatomically correct alignment of the metatarsophalangeal joint of the big toe. The splint is shaped for an anatomical fit, has adjustable Velcro straps and can be usedduring rest periods. Features and benefits of a splint are:
+ Easy and precise adjustment of leverage
+ Inner surface of the Splint fully lined with foam
+ Ventilation hole in the area of the big toes
Hallux valgus
Home remedy
As a home remedy, medical pads or cushions can be helpful. They can act as a buffer between your foot and your Hallux valgus shoe and relieve your pain.
Pain-relieving medicines such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen or naproxen sodium can help you control the pain of a HV.
Chiropodists use Epsom salt for soaking troubled feet. The magnesium and sulphate in the salt are well-known anti-inflammatory agents and can soothe aching joints while relieving muscle pain.
Cushioned shoe inserts and insoles are suitable for evenly distributing the pressure on the ball of the foot. When the feet are moved, this reduces the pain and other symptoms.
Treating the HV with ice can relieve inflammation and pain.
Hallux valgus inflammation ointment
There are anti-inflammatory and pain-reducing ointments from various manufacturers with ingredients such as aloe, vitamin E and B6, tea tree oil. These improve blood circulation and have moisturising properties.
Hallux valgus inflammation and Voltaren
Voltaren Gel contains diclofenac, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. Diclofenac reduces certain substances in the body that cause pain and inflammation.
Voltaren Gel is used to treat joint pain and HV caused by osteoarthritis in the hands, wrists, elbows, knees, ankles or feet.
FAQ
A pronounced Hallux does not regress, but often requires surgical intervention. Mild discomfort can be alleviated by gymnastics and a special Hallux valgus shoe, for example.
In the early stages, many consider Hallux valgus to be a purely cosmetic problem. The deformity can remain painless for a long time. However, over time, the deformity and damage to the forefoot continues to increase. Early correction of the position of the big toe through the right shoes, foot exercises, Hallux valgus splints or realignment of the toe is therefore recommended.
