Shoe types

Particularly high demands are placed on the forefoot relief shoe, because it should allow the freshly operated forefoot to heal undisturbed. This requires an open forefoot area and a stiff and firm sole. This guarantees a relatively fast regained mobility after the operation.

Nevertheless, the foot should often be elevated and not be put under too much strain in order to allow optimal healing. If the hallux valgus is only slightly pronounced and still in its early stages, it is often helpful to change to the right footwear, to avoid a deterioration and thus to avoid necessary surgery. There are special prophylactic insoles that support the longitudinal arch of the foot and lift the metatarsals to counteract the development of a splayfoot.

So-called sensorimotor insoles also activate the muscles of the foot and toes and strengthen them. There are also metatarsal bandages that should be worn permanently in the shoe or special splints for the night.Daytime bandages support the foot with a pad called a pad, protects the metatarsophalangeal joint of the big toe from friction, reduces compression and in some cases also contains an antimicrobial coating to prevent bacterial infections. An alternative form of therapy is the hallux valgus splint, which is worn at night and is mainly used postoperatively.

It slowly expands the joint capsule of the metatarsophalangeal joint of the big toe and thus corrects the malposition. Similar correction orthoses are also available in a flexible form. These are worn during the day and also correct the malposition and additionally relieve pain.

However, this is no longer useful in the case of a completely stiff toe and a complete correction of the malpositioning by the splint alone is impossible. In case of an existing hallux valgus in the early stages, it is important to wear special shoes. There are some companies that specialize in producing shoes that offer the forefoot sufficient space, have lateral elastic stretch zones and relieve the forefoot by padding. They have a flexible and soft footbed that avoids unnecessary compression and is extra lined, since Hallux valgus feet are often particularly pressure-sensitive.