Thomas Schreiber
I have been dealing with hallux valgus for several years and can advise you on all Hallufix products.
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Hallux valgus
Almost all people are born with healthy feet. And yet only very few adults are really good on their feet. Probably the most common deformity in women is hallux valgus, also called the painful bunion. Women are affected much more often than men. The gender distribution is about 9 : 1 (female : male). Around ten million people suffer from this deformity in Germany alone.
During this process, the joint of the big toe shifts outwards and becomes visible as a more or less pronounced bulge. The toe itself turns inwards, which can lead to inflammation and pain.
The hallux valgus
... is one of the most unpleasant pains you can get over the years. The intense stabbing pain at the side of the foot runs through the whole leg and often makes you lose the pleasure of almost every movement. Often, most people dismiss the pain at first as a short-term affair and try to ignore it - also because at first it is only noticeable during intense exertion. Gradually, the heel hurts more and more and the affected person can hardly move.
What is Hallux valgus?
The painful bunion (hallux valgus) is a malpositioning of the big toe caused by genetic weakness of the connective tissue as well as a disorder of the muscles and vision/ligaments. All factors that weaken the connective tissue - for example, pregnancy, certain medications or diseases - favour hallux valgus. Obesity, frequent standing and rheumatism also increase the risk of hallux valgus.
A hallux valgus is almost always preceded by a so-called splayfoot. You can recognise it by the fact that the front part of the foot widens. The middle toes can hurt due to a different type of stress, and more calluses form on the underside of the toes. This can lead to calluses and corns.
The front foot pushes down in the first step so that the foot flies up flat. Gradually, the big toe pushes inwards with the tip as a reaction, so that the pressure becomes increasingly greater and also affects the other toes. This is how the claw-like shape of the toes often develops.
Particularly effective for hallux valgus, the dynamic splint of Hallufix.
Incorrect footwear and hallux valgus
However, the malposition is also aggravated by wearing shoes that are too narrow and tight. They force the big toe into an unnatural, strongly angled position. The foot muscles additionally lose strength, which reinforces the toe malposition. Hallux valgus also has many accompanying symptoms: splayfoot, hammertoes, muscular weakness or osteoarthritis. Thus, as a rule, the mobility of the foot is severely restricted. Meanwhile, men and young people are also increasingly suffering from a bunion. A hallux valgus itself is actually not painful. We all have it but the real pain trigger is the pressure on the adjacent nerves. These nerve endings are bare and over the years are steadily further stressed by the pressure. In the course of the developing hallux, the situation can then also worsen or even become inflamed. In many cases, orthopedic means can be used to help, e.g. the Hallufix Hallux valgus splint.
The Hallufix® hallux valgus splint
The patented Hallufix® Hallux valgus joint splint is an effective therapeutic orthosis for daily use.
How does the Hallufix® Hallux valgus Splint work?
⦁ The Hallufix® Hallux valgus splint restores the foot to its natural shape.
⦁ Regular wear corrects the malposition of the joint.
⦁ The natural rolling movement can be performed again without pain.
⦁ The arch of the foot is straightened again by the metatarsal support.
⦁ Splayed feet (common with hallux valgus) are also supported by wearing it.
⦁ Preventive (for mild and moderate hallux valgus) and postoperative.
You can find more information about hallux valgus here splint .
Physiotherapy and Spiral Dynamics
With foot and toe exercises you strengthen the foot muscles, tighten the connective tissue and counteract malpositions. Walking barefoot also has a positive effect.
Many orthopaedists recommend the so-called Spiraldynamik therapy. This involves special strength and mobility exercises designed to strengthen the whole body as well as the feet. The central element of this form of treatment is the training of the patient. He or she learns exercises to train the toes and actively keep them straight. These do-it-yourself exercises are also intended to prevent toe malpositioning for women who have to wear heels at work or who have a family predisposition.
In cases of pronounced deformity and advanced joint wear, lasting freedom from symptoms can only be achieved by surgical intervention. Depending on the age of the patient and the extent of the deformity and joint wear, various surgical methods are available.
If corrective surgery is no longer possible, the only option is joint fusion. Although this does not restore function, it can achieve freedom from pain.
After the operation, it is usually necessary to temporarily relieve the foot partially or completely, as in the case of a bone fracture. The Hallufix Hallux valgus splint or the Hallufix Therapy Sandal is suitable for this purpose.
Learn more about hallux valgus and the Hallufix splint.
