Understanding hallux valgus, the cause of foot pain, and the ways it can be corrected
When we stand with our feet together, if we look we will see that the big toes are together too. But some people may have a foot that looks different from this, in that the big toe lies against the second toe, which is hallux valgus, a health problem often met, particularly in women and older adults. The problem of hallux valgus affects not only the beauty of the shape of the foot but daily life as well, and it may cause severe complications if it is not cared for and treated appropriately. In this article PYONG Rehabilitation Clinic invites everyone to see what the ways of treating a deviated toe are.
Hallux valgus
Hallux valgus, as it is called medically, is the state in which the big toe deviates towards the other toes, so that the bone at the base of the big toe on the inner side protrudes clearly, with the result that the foot is deformed and pain in the foot may arise, particularly when high-heeled shoes or narrow-toed shoes have to be worn, when the pain increases. Besides this, those with the problem of hallux valgus also find it hard to walk. This state is usually found in women more than in men.
The causes of hallux valgus
Hallux valgus does not arise from any one cause, but is the result of several factors together. The first factor bringing about hallux valgus is heredity, which may give some people a structure of the foot favouring hallux valgus from birth. Besides this, flat foot is another important factor causing an unbalanced distribution of weight, with the result that the big toe gradually deviates inward until it presses against the other toes.
Importantly, the use of unsuitable shoes, particularly shoes with a narrow toe or a high heel, can make the symptoms worse. Although it is not the main cause of hallux valgus, it is a factor that can hasten the symptoms into becoming more severe. Besides this, injury to the foot, particularly in athletes or those who have had an accident, may bring about this state as well.
The symptoms of hallux valgus
When hallux valgus arises, the patient will notice the abnormality and the various symptoms clearly. The symptoms often met are as follows.
- The base of the big toe on the inner side protrudes noticeably, usually with swelling, redness, and pain
- The big toe deviates towards the other toes more and more
- The skin around the base of the big toe thickens, because of frequent rubbing against the shoe
- There is pain when shoes are worn, particularly shoes with a narrow toe or a high heel
- Those with severe hallux valgus may find that the big toe rides over the second toe
The complications of hallux valgus
When hallux valgus arises and is not treated but left alone, complications may arise that affect quality of life.
1. Bursitis
When hallux valgus arises, the bursa whose function is to absorb impact and lubricate the joint at the base of the big toe may become inflamed, which causes pain, swelling, and redness, particularly when shoes that press on that area are worn. This inflammation may become chronic and make walking harder.
2. Deformity of the toes
When hallux valgus is severe, the big toe rides over the other toes, with the result that the neighbouring toes become deformed as well, particularly the second toe, which may be pushed into curving upward, becoming a claw toe, which increases the points of pressure and affects balance while walking.
3. Pain in the sole of the foot
The deviation of the big toe makes the distribution of weight while walking unbalanced and abnormal, with the result that there is too much pressure on the sole of the foot, particularly around the heads of the metatarsals, so that chronic pain arises that affects walking and various activities.
4. Corns
Hallux valgus makes the bone on the inner side of the foot protrude and swell out, and that area rubs against the shoe frequently until it thickens and finally becomes a corn, which may be found both on the sole and on the side of the toe, causing further pain and possibly becoming infected if it is not cared for appropriately.
The ways of treating a deviated toe
The way of treating a deviated toe has to be assessed by a specialist physician, in order to choose the way of treating it that suits the severity of the condition and the physical state of each individual patient.
Treatment with rehabilitation medicine
Treating a deviated toe with rehabilitation medicine is the first choice for those whose symptoms are not severe, emphasising the relief of pain and the restoration of the working of the muscles and the joints in order to prevent the symptoms from worsening. The relief of pain covers:
- Magnetic Stimulation Therapy, treatment with a magnetic field, which stimulates the working of the cells of the muscles and the nerves in the surrounding muscle groups, such as the calf muscle and the muscle of the shin, helping to reduce the inflammation and relieve the pain in part
- High Power Laser Therapy, treatment with a high-power laser, which helps stimulate the repair of the tissue, reduce the inflammation, and relieve the pain quickly, particularly while the area of the big toe is inflamed, painful, swollen, and red
Besides the ways of treating a deviated toe by relieving the pain, the doctor may also advise cold compresses, physiotherapy, and the use of a toe support, alongside changing the habit of what shoes are worn.
Supportive treatment
There are several ways of treating a deviated toe supportively, such as the use of a customised insole, wearing a toe support, including a toe spreader, a bunion shield, or a hallux valgus night splint, and choosing suitable shoes, with a toe box that is high and wide and that is thick and stable and distributes weight well. These ways of treating a deviated toe help reduce the pain and slow the progress of the condition. Although they do not correct the deformity that has arisen, they help support the symptoms so that they do not worsen, and also help the patient live more happily.
Surgery
Where the symptoms are severe, or supportive treatment has been tried without result and it begins to affect daily life, such as severe inflammation or infection, and so on, the doctor may consider surgery to correct the deformity of the bone. There are several techniques, depending on the character and the severity of the hallux valgus. Recovery after surgery takes about 4-6 weeks.
Summary
Hallux valgus is the state in which the big toe deviates against the second toe until the foot is deformed. It is a health problem that is not life-threatening, but it causes pain and makes walking harder, which affects the quality of life. As for the approach to treating a deviated toe, the doctor will consider the symptoms and then choose the form of treatment that is most suitable, together with changing certain habits, particularly choosing shoes of a fitting size, neither too tight nor too loose, and avoiding wearing high-heeled shoes for long periods.