Effective methods of treating hallux valgus in adults

Curvature of the feet in adulthood is not uncommon.The disease manifests itself in childhood and, due to various circumstances, is not treated to the end by many people.Let's look at how to fix the situation below.

Causes and risk groups

Externally, hallux valgus in adults looks like a person falling inward when walking.As a result, the disease leads to difficulty moving or static pressure on the feet.

The main phenomena leading to curvature:

• Problems associated with improper development and formation of the lower extremities in the prenatal period;
• wearing shoes that don't fit as the foot grows;
• dysplasia;
• hormonal changes in the body with metabolic disorders;
• Previous illnesses (paralysis, osteoporosis);
• Obesity or sudden weight gain due to pregnancy and gestosis;
• Injury to the foot and ankle bones.

Foot curvature can occur in anyone, but it is more common in women under 35 who spend a lot of time on their feet (teachers, models, salespeople, health workers) or athletes.

Types and degrees

There are different types of foot deformities:

1. Static – expressed by problems with the spine.
2. Structural - due to the peculiarities of the position of the talus.
3. Compensatory – shortened Achilles tendon with partial transfer of function to the ankle joint.
4. Paralytic – after previous illnesses.
5. Crampy.
6. Hypercorrective – due to improper treatment of a previously identified pathology.
7. Rachitic.
8. After trauma and rupture of the ligamentous apparatus.

Hallux valgus in adults has different degrees of severity:

• the first is deformation of the joint with subluxation of the foot;
• the second is the tendon displacement and curvature of the thumb;
• the third is a pathological process of bone tissue, in which the fingers deviate by 20 degrees;
• The fourth degree is the culmination of changes with the extinction of foot functions and the spread of the disease to the ankle joint and above.The disease causes constant discomfort that cannot be resolved conservatively.

Symptoms

In adults, the manifestations of plano-valgus foot are as follows:

1. swelling of the lower extremities;
2. severe pain (foot hurts in the area of the metatarsal bone);
3. constant corns, calluses;
4. back pain, posture problems;
5. fatigue and discomfort in the legs that does not go away with rest;
6. convulsions, convulsions;
7. change shoe size;
8. external deformation;
9. worsening of gait (sagging);
10. accompanying joint diseases, myositis.

How dangerous is the pathology?

Adults suffering from hallux valgus are at high risk of developing symptoms that lead to disability because the deformed foot may lose function.

Not only the function of upright walking suffers from the problem: the pathology leads to varicose veins, joint problems, curvature of the spine, migraines, the development of a diabetic foot, transverse flatfoot and the appearance of heel spurs.

diagnosis

Before making a diagnosis, the doctor must determine the degree and type of pathology through examinations:

• History and external examination.
• Palpation of the deformity area.
• X-ray in three projections.
• If necessary, CT, MRI.
• Consultation of specialists in detecting concomitant diseases.

Features of the treatment of hallux valgus in adults

Therapy of the disease must be comprehensive and include several methods.The recovery process is lengthy and requires strict adherence to all medical instructions.

Medicines (systemic and local)

Drug treatment is intended to relieve foot pain and reduce inflammation.For this purpose, NSAIDs are prescribed in a dosage that is selected taking into account other diseases, since the drugs affect the functioning of the stomach.Medications can be used either externally in the form of creams and ointments or in the form of tablets or injections.

If the patient suffers from severe swelling, diuretics are prescribed for a short period (no longer than three days).

During the course of treatment, it is important to take vitamins and minerals to strengthen bone tissue and ligaments.

Orthopedic devices

This product group is intended to correct and maintain the correct position of the foot.It is recommended to wear them regularly not only for therapeutic purposes, but also as a preventive measure.

1. Insoles help the foot distribute the load when walking and are necessary in the fight against flat feet and deformities.
2. Orthopedic shoes are made to order, taking into account the degree of pathology.It fixes the leg firmly, preventing the disease from worsening.
3. Valgus braces are intended for the bunion area when correction of this area is required.

All orthopedic aids are selected individually after visiting the orthopedist.

massage

Massage sessions can be carried out several times a year, 10 applications per course.This manipulation restores blood circulation in the affected area and strengthens muscles and ligaments.

Before the massage, we recommend a warm foot bath with anti-inflammatory herbs.The movements should be circular, rubbing or warming, without causing additional trauma to the deformed area.

At home, it is recommended to do daily self-massage after a busy day.

Movement therapy

Training to strengthen the foot should begin after the signs of inflammation have subsided.Before you start physical exercise, you need to warm up your muscles and massage your feet.

Main complex:

• Circular movements of the ankle, pulling the feet toward and away from you.
• Lying on your back – imitation of riding a bike.
• Movements of each finger separately.
• Roll from toe to heel.
• Pick up small objects from the floor with your foot.
• Drawing with a marker in the toes on a piece of paper.
• While sitting, roll a bottle or rolling pin.
• Walk on your toes, heels and sides of your feet.
• Tension and relaxation of the leg muscles.The exercise must be performed while sitting on the floor with the lower limbs extended.

Movements should not cause discomfort or unpleasant sensations.The number of approaches and repetitions should be added gradually.

Physiotherapy

Regular implementation of the procedures can relieve pain and muscle spasms and restore microcirculation in the tissues, as well as strengthen the ligamentous apparatus of the planovalgus foot and stop the deformation process.

Basic techniques:

1. Ultrasound - acceleration of metabolism and removal of salts from the problem area;
2. Laser – reducing inflammation and swelling;
3. UVT – normalization of blood circulation;
4. Magnet - warming up spasmodic tissue;
5. Mud applications, ozokerite.

You cannot independently add or cancel prescribed physical therapy without consulting a doctor, as this may lead to an aggravation of the problem.

Folk remedies

It is not practical to treat hallux valgus at home, but alternative medicine can alleviate the patient's condition before seeing a doctor.

Popular recipes:

• Pour madder over with warm water and cook in a water bath, then cool the composition and take half a glass three times a day before meals.
• Dry the dandelion flowers, grind them into powder, add iodine and apply to the area where the growth forms.
• Mix equal parts mustard and bodyaga, add turpentine and oil and lubricate your feet before bed.
• Knead the propolis, warm it slightly in your hands and apply to the deformation zone.Leave on overnight and secure with a bandage.

Surgical intervention

In the absence of the effect of conservative methods, as well as with a hallux valgus deformity of 3-4 degrees, surgical treatment is recommended.

Surgical interventions come in two directions: traditional and laser.

The first type of operation is performed under general anesthesia with the application of a plaster splint over several weeks and requires a recovery period.

Laser treatment comes in different forms:

1. Exostectomy – removal of bone growths with correction of the external shape of the foot;
2. Removal of the phalanx of the big toe and fixation in the correct position;
3. Arthroplasty – incision of the deformity and, if necessary, replacement of the joint, tendon transplantation.

Prevention

The following simple measures will help prevent the development of the disease:

1. Follow the principles of proper nutrition.
2. Elimination of bad habits.
3. Weight control.
4. Moderate physical activity.
5. Organization of adequate daily rest time.
6. Self-massage of the feet and exercise therapy.
7. In summer, walk barefoot on sand, small pebbles and earth.
8. Use of orthopedic insoles and braces.
9. Comfortable shoes without high heels.
10. Compliance with safety precautions at home and on the road.
11. Regular medical examinations.

If you notice the first signs of deformation, you should not delay solving the problem.If you start treatment in the early stages, the disease disappears forever and the person returns to the usual rhythm of life without pain.