Hallux valgus

Deformity or deviation of the big toe is one of the most common forms of foot disorders. This deformity, which is actually the outward deviation of the big toe, is called hallux valgus. The big toe is called a hallux. In this complication, a bulge gradually forms on the big toe that is deflected towards the second toe. Hallux valgus, or big toe deviation, is the bony protrusion on the big toe joint. This complication occurs when the big toe puts pressure on its side finger; In this case, the big toe joint becomes larger and protrudes. The skin on the crooked big toe may become red and painful. There are many hypotheses about the cause of the formation of Hallus valgus; But there is still no agreement among doctors as to the main cause. Possible causes include structural foot problems (often inherited), standing and walking for long periods of time, genetic factors, and problems such as rheumatoid arthritis. Doctors disagree about the effect of sturdy, high-heeled or tight shoes on hallux valgus. Some believe that wearing inappropriate shoes causes hallux valgus; On the other hand, another group believes that inappropriate shoes only make the existing structural problem worse. However, this problem is much more common in women than men.

Symptoms of hallux valgus include redness and thickening of the skin, inflammation of the skin on the side of the big toe, deviation of the big toe to the other toes, recurrent pain in the foot, difficulty moving the big toe, and pain in walking.

See an orthopedic specialist

An orthopedist can diagnose hallux valgus by examining your foot. Also, performing a radiograph of the foot helps the doctor determine the severity and diagnose the cause of big toe dislocation. Then, based on the diagnosis and the discretion of the specialist doctor, the necessary treatments are performed. Patients who visit a doctor because of this problem usually have problems with persistent pain in the big toe, the formation of bulge on the big toe joint, and reduced mobility of the big toe. These people may even have trouble finding comfortable shoes. There are non-surgical treatments for this complication as well as surgical treatments.

Non-surgical or conservative treatments that can relieve pain and pressure in the big toe area include: Wear appropriate shoes, rest and improve activities to reduce foot pressure, use ice to reduce swelling and inflammation, use toe pads, and use nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or inject steroids into the joint to reduce pain and swelling. Also, physiotherapy and foot exercises and finger stretching can help treat the deviation created in the big toe.

If these treatments do not relieve the symptoms, surgery may sometimes be needed. However, surgery is recommended only if hallux valgus cause persistent pain in the patient or interfere with a person’s daily activities. Differences in the shape and size of hallux valgus make the surgical procedures for repairing them different. In general, hallux valgus surgery involves correcting the position of the big toe bone and repairing the surrounding soft tissues. Plaster is not normally used during the postoperative recovery period; A special bandage with special shoes is what is used.