Hallux Valgus

Hallux valgus deformity

A hallux valgus deformity, commonly called a bunion, is the commonest forefoot deformity. The big toe moves out of its alignment and deviate lateral side toward other toes. This condition causes painful motion of the joint and difficulty shoe wearing. Prevalence of hallux valgus increase from 23% to 35% in people over 65 years.

Who gets hallux valgus?

Women are primarily subjected to hallux valgus. As age increases chance of hallux valgus increases noticeably.

How does hallux valgus develop?

hallux valgus, is often caused by wearing high heels shoes. High heels shift the entire body weight onto the forefoot and toes, increasing pressure on the forefoot joints.

Also, People who wear shoes that are too tight, too narrow are more susceptible to bunions.

What are causes of hallux valgus?

Deformity caused by high heeled shoes
Heredity (common in some families)
Arthritic changes to the joints
Some neurological disorders such as: Stroke, Cerebral palsy and Multiple sclerosis
Foot injuries
Congenital or deformities present at birth
Inflammatory condition such as rheumatoid arthritis
Abnormalities of the foot such ad flat foot

The signs and symptoms of hallux valgus include:

A bulging bump on the medial side of the big toe
Swelling and redness around your big toe joint
Corns or calluses
pain
Restricted movement of your big toe if arthritis affects the toe
Cosmetic problem with or without pain

Hallux valgus treatment

The goal of treating hallux valgus deformities is symptom relief. Sometimes conservative treatment options such as a shoe with a wider toe box or extra forefoot depth can decrease bunion pain by allowing more room in the shoe for the forefoot deformity. Insoles with longitudinal arch support, toe spacers, hallux valgus splints and bunion-cushion pads can be used to symptomatically treat the bunion deformity.

Surgery is needed when there is severe foot pain, limiting mobility and pointing big toe toward the small toe which conservative treatment is not effective more.

Hallux Valgus splint and toe spreader

hallux valgus night splint corrects hallux alignment during sleep with applying gentle constant pressure. Toe separator prevents the first toe from overlapping onto the second during shoe wearing.