Hallux Valgus Treatment
What is the hallux valgus?
In Latin, valgus describes the deformity of distancing from the middle line in the body, while halluks means big toe. Hallux valgus, also known as Bunion There is a disorder described in the literature as a painful shape and function disorder that forms in the structure of the big toe.
The big toe is made up of two joints that connect three bones. In this structure, some of the bones may get dislocated. The dislocation of this line alters the angle of the big toe and causes it to dislocate through the second toe. The joint that connects the big toe to the foot enlarges, turns red, hurts, and swells. This hard swelling on the joint is called a bunion. As the bunion gets larger, the dislocation of the big toe starts to stress the second toe. Growing as a chain, this stress causes severe pain and difficulty walking, impairing the function and appearance of the foot.
What causes and who causes hallux valgus?
One of the reasons for hallux valgus to form is the choice of shoe, which is inappropriate for foot structure. As a result, hallux valgus is uncommon in societies where people wear no shoes or open shoes known as sandals. It is known that the use of pointed toes and high-heeled shoes increases their frequency of occurrence. In addition to the preference for shoes, it is more common in women due to the looseness of the laces.
Apart from this, as in many diseases, genetic predisposition and rheumatoid arthritis are also effective in the formation of hallux valgus.
The reasons that brought the hallux valgus patient to the doctor
The problem that brings the patient to the doctor is mostly the painful, hard, and reddened swelling in the big toe, namely the bunion. Aesthetic anxiety can also be a reason, especially for young patients.
If precautions are not taken and wounds are not treated promptly, the big toe may slip under or over the second toe, and wounds on the toe may occur as a result of shoe friction.In addition, painful calluses occur on the soles of the feet whose weight distribution has deteriorated.
In addition, the pressure of the big toe on the second, third, and fourth fingers in a row with bunion formation can cause hammertoe deformities.
How is valluks halgus treated?
Non-surgical approaches in the early period help to reduce the pain and prevent the progression of the bunion, even if the bunion formation does not bring the big toe back to its original plane. Shoe regulations, such as avoiding pointy-toed and high-heeled shoes, are among these measures. Orthoses such as night splints, bunion pads, interdigital rollers, and insoles are among the non-surgical treatment methods. In addition, in cases caused by arthritis, medication can be taken.
All of these measures, however, are insufficient to restore the line, whose angle has deteriorated as previously stated.Surgical methods are used in cases where non-surgical treatment cannot control the progression of pain and deformity.
The main goal in hallux valgus surgery is to provide the patient with a painless functional foot by removing the bunion, ensuring normal bone alignment, and restoring the ligament-tendon balance around the big toe. However, since hallux valgus is a complex deformity in various degrees, a single operation cannot be mentioned in its treatment. There are many hallux valgus surgery techniques described in the literature, and according to some sources, this number is more than 150. Your doctor will recommend the most appropriate surgical technique for you according to the physical findings and radiological results.
