Conservative hallux valgus therapy refers to non-surgical treatments. Thus, various methods can be used, such as performing various exercises and wearing a hallux valgus splint.
Thomas Schreiber
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The term Hallux valgus refers to a malposition of the metatarsophalangeal joint of the big toe, which is easy to recognise: the big toe shifts outwards and displaces the other toes in the process. The malposition leads to inflammation of the ball of the big toe, which promotes the development of big toe arthrosis.
Hallux valgus is always treatable. However, the bunion reaches different angles of inclination. Depending on the severity of the hallux valgus angle, different treatment options may be considered.
Generally speaking, you have two options here:
Conservative Hallux valgus therapy or Hallux valgus surgery
Therapy without surgery
Therapies without surgery are aimed at preventing the
displacement of the big toe to the other toes and relieve pain that occurs. The classic hallux valgus aids, or treatment methods, include bandages, shoe inserts, taping loops and wearing a hallux valgus splint.
The hallux valgus splint is recommended for correcting the malposition of the big toe. It also provides immediate pain relief and, due to its patented joint splint system, helps to ensure that you do not have to accept any restrictions when walking. At the same time, soft gel side cushions are integrated into the splint , providing a high level of wearing comfort. Furthermore, the hallux valgus splint is available in different shoe sizes and can be worn at night as well as during the day. The splint is generally one of the most popular and promising hallux valgus aids and is covered by the health insurance companies under the following aid number: (HMV no. 23.01.01.1001).
In addition, it is often recommended to combine several measures, such as hallux valgus splint with
regular toe training.
OP
In the case of hallux valgus, surgery is usually only performed when conservative methods are unsuccessful. That is, if the big toe continues to shift and/or there is no pain relief.
Hallux valgus surgery straightens the big toe and thus significantly improves mobility. In addition, the operation should also make the patient pain-free again.
Because every foot and every foot position is different, there are different surgical methods.
The decisive factor in the choice of the respective surgical method is the hallux valgus angle as well as any other diseases that need to be treated or that may otherwise have an effect on the operation.
Therapy after surgery
After a hallux valgus operation, you will first receive an elastic support bandage to protect the affected foot for a few days. Afterwards, a forefoot relief shoe and a toe spreader are usually fitted. In addition, rolling loads on walking aids can be started. Until you can put about half your body weight on your foot, daily thrombosis injections are also necessary.
Barefoot running
Simple but effective is, for example, barefoot walking, as here you stimulate all foot muscles in a natural way. Especially in sand, on grass and soft forest soil, the muscles are trained. Shoes that are too tight, high or "wrong" can be the cause of hallux valgus.
Foot exercise with hedgehog ball
An extremely uncomplicated exercise for hallux valgus is, for example, if you take a small, nubbed hedgehog ball or a small rubber ball, sit down on a chair and roll it back and forth under the sole of your foot; in straight lines or circles. The pressure you put on the ball with your foot can be a little stronger, but it should not cause pain or feel uncomfortable.
Foot exercise through stretching
Alternatively or additionally, the following exercise is a good idea: Sit on the floor and pull one of your legs towards your upper body; so far that you can reach your foot with your hand without difficulty. Now grasp your forefoot from the inside and apply careful pressure backwards. In this way, the foot is stretched. It is important that you proceed very gently, there should be no pain.
Gripping exercise with the foot
Simple grasping exercises are also a good therapy for hallux valgus. Here you simply try to grasp various things, such as buttons, keys and marbles, while sitting with the help of your bare toes.
FAQ
Targeted gymnastics can not only prevent hallux valgus, but also support the treatment or counteract the progression of hallux valgus. With the help of tapes and other aids, first and foremost the hallux valgus splint, as well as gymnastics, often even a partial correction of the deformity is possible. Furthermore, the various exercises strengthen your feet as a whole. In addition to simple exercises that you can do at home, it is also possible to take advantage of appropriate physiotherapy.
In the case of hallux valgus, surgery is not always necessary; often the use of an alternative hallux valgus therapy is already sufficient. It is best if you already train your healthy feet and thus strengthen the muscles. In addition, it is important to wear suitable footwear. If possible, it is advisable to walk barefoot on different surfaces. If a hallux valgus develops, ideally you should react immediately and consult a doctor. Through gymnastics and the use of the aforementioned hallux valgus aids, such as a hallux valgus splint, it is possible in many cases to successfully counteract the bunion.