Symptoms
Hallux valgus (“crooked toe”) refers to a deformity of the big toe that deviates outward at the metatarsophalangeal joint. It is based on a deviation of the metatarsal bone towards the inside. Due to this malposition, sometimes severe pain, pressure and friction complaints, swelling, inflammation, corns, calluses as well as sensory disturbances develop as a result of pressure on the nerves. Since the big toe exerts pressure on the second toe, it can also cause deformity, hammer toe and other disorders. A hallux is much more common in women and is also cosmetically disturbing.
Causes
Possible causes and risk factors for developing a hallux include wearing constricting shoes and shoes with a high heel, heredity, female gender, a concurrent flat foot, stretchy ligaments, loose connective tissue, and high mobility of the first tarsometatarsal joint.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is made in medical treatment based on physical examination and imaging techniques.
Treatment
Hallux valgus can be treated with special and soft footwear that is adapted to the foot position and provides sufficient space. Special pads protect the skin and tissue from friction and pressure (e.g., Compeed Bunion Protector (formerly Compeed Hallux), Epitact Hallux, Scholl Bunion Protector Pads, pressure point patches). Hallux splints, Hallux socks, ice pads and shoe inserts can alleviate the discomfort – but they do not bring about a permanent cure. Sympathetic drug treatment of the hallux can be done, for example, with painkillers such as paracetamol, topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and other local remedies such as comfrey. If no success is achieved with such measures, surgical intervention is possible, although this does not always lead to complete freedom from symptoms. It must be noted that a sufficiently long recovery period is required.
Prevention
For prevention, it is recommended to wear comfortable shoes without high heels and with enough space for the toes. However, since the development is also dependent on endogenous factors, prevention is not necessarily successful.
