Hallux Valgus, or bunion, is a deformity of the big toe caused by a bony protrusion from the joint at the base of the big toe. This occurs because the big toe is pushed against the index finger, causing the joint at the base of the big toe to protrude. The affected area may be swollen, red, and painful.
In some cases, it may not cause any pain. However, over time, Hallux Valgus can cause the toes to crowd together, which can be painful for the patient. It can also cause permanent foot deformity. Therefore, if any abnormalities occur, you should see a doctor for proper treatment.
Symptoms of Hallux Valgus
Symptoms and signs of Hallux Valgus include:
- The outer base of the big toe is bulging out.
- There is swelling, redness, or pain around the base of the big toe.
- The skin around the base of the big toe thickens.
- The big toe leans towards the other toes.
- Have persistent or intermittent pain
- Corns occur when there isfriction between the big toe and index finger.
- Difficulty moving your big toe or walking
- In some cases, a bunionette (swelling ) may occur on the little toe.
Hallux Valgus usually does not require treatment. However, if you experience the following symptoms, you should see a podiatrist for further treatment:
- The base of the big toe is clearly bulging.
- Pain in the big toe or foot, or symptoms that do not improve
- Reduced movement of the big toe or foot
- Can’t find shoes that fit my feet
Causes of Hallux Valgus
The exact cause of this condition is unknown, but factors that may increase your risk of developing Hallux Valgus include:
- Genetic inheritance of foot shape
- Foot injury or excessive pressure on the foot
- Congenital foot deformities, such as those with flat feet, may be at a higher risk of developing Hallux Valgus than the general population.
- The patient’s underlying diseases, such as arthritis, especially rheumatoid arthritis
Other risk factors such as standing for long periods of time, wearing high heels, or wearing shoes that are too tight and squeeze the front of the foot can also make symptoms worse. Hallux Valgus is more common in females. In some cases, it can occur during adolescence, most commonly in girls between the ages of 10 and 15.
Diagnosis of Hallux Valgus
Doctors may diagnose Hallux Valgus by observing the external appearance of the patient’s feet, which may be sufficient since the symptoms can be seen from the external appearance. The doctor may have the patient try to move their toes back and forth to diagnose abnormal movements in the toes. Or, they may perform additional examinations using X-rays to look for details of injuries or foot deformities. They may also use blood tests to confirm that the cause is not arthritis.
Hallux Valgus Treatment
Treatment varies depending on the severity and symptoms. Treatment can be divided into two methods as follows:
Non-surgical treatment
This is a first aid treatment to help relieve pain and reduce pressure on the affected area, as follows:
- Choose shoes that fit well and have enough space in the front that doesn’t squeeze your toes too tightly.
- Use a pad or tape to help adjust the toe back into its normal position and relieve pressure on the protruding bone.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers ,such as paracetamol or NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen or naproxen.
- Wear a foot brace to support the affected area.
- Avoid activities that may cause pain, such as standing for long periods of time.
- Apply a cold compress to the affected area or after prolonged use of the foot to help relieve pain or swelling.
Surgical treatment
Doctors will not recommend surgery for the purpose of beautifying the shape of the feet, but will use it when other treatment methods do not improve the symptoms, the pain worsens or affects daily life. One or more of the following methods may be used together.
- Excess bone is removed to return the toe to its normal position.
- Surgical removal of swollen tissue around the big toe
- Surgery to realign the bones in the ball of the foot to correct a deformity of the foot.
- Surgical fusion of bones in the affected finger joint
Most Hallux Valgus surgical treatment is completed within 1 day. The treatment procedure depends on the patient’s overall health, age, activities and foot deformity. The recovery period also varies depending on the treatment method. After surgery, patients should not wear shoes that are too tight or squeeze the front of the foot to prevent Hallux Valgus from recurring later. However, surgical treatment may not be suitable for patients with Hallux Valgus who have symptoms during adolescence because there is still growth that causes changes in the shape of the bone.
Complications of Hallux Valgus
Complications can occur if Hallux Valgus is left untreated, as it can lead to bursitis, an inflammation and swelling of the fluid-filled sacs around the joints. This can be painful and can make it difficult to move other joints around the toes.
In addition, Hallux Valgus can cause deformity of the toes or feet, stiffness of the toes, or chronic pain in the feet or toes. If you find that you have abnormal symptoms and have symptoms of diabetes or signs of inflammation, you should see a doctor immediately.
Hallux Valgus Prevention
Although there is no definitive way to prevent it, you can reduce your risk of developing Hallux Valgus by doing the following:
- Wear shoes that fit your feet by choosing shoes with enough space in the front for your toes and choosing shoes that are suitable for the shape of your feet.
- Women should avoid wearing high heelsand shoes that are too pointed.
- Always take care of your feet as Hallux Valgus can occur at any time, especially if a family member has had the condition.
- Exercise your toes regularly, such as stretching and bending them alternately, or curling your toes to pick up objects from the floor.
